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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Graceland Defeats Peru State, Advances to Heart Tournament Championship Game
Graceland Defeats Peru State, Advances to Heart Tournament Championship Game

Graceland Defeats Peru State, Advances to Heart Tournament Championship Game

LAMONI, Iowa – The Graceland University Yellowjackets punched their ticket to the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament Championship with a 68-61 victory over Peru State on Saturday afternoon at Morden Center. With the win, Graceland improves to 24-6 overall and 18-6 in conference play, while Peru State drops to 22-7 overall and 17-7 in the Heart standings.

Game Recap

Graceland set the tone early, heading into halftime with a 34-31 lead. The Yellowjackets capitalized on strong shooting, finishing the game at 45.3% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range, while holding Peru State to just 37.7% shooting overall.

Cole Bowen led the offensive charge, recording a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Carson Busch came off the bench to provide a critical 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including 3-for-4 from deep. Micah Lamberth anchored the defense with 13 rebounds, and Carter Brown contributed nine points and three assists.

Defensively, the Yellowjackets locked in late, forcing 13 turnovers and limiting Peru State to just 26.9% from beyond the arc.

Coach Lorenson's Reaction

Following the game, head coach Todd Lorenson credited his team's defensive effort in securing the win.

"Our defensive effort, focus, and execution were where they needed to be for most of the night. That allowed us to overcome too many careless turnovers. Down the stretch, we got stops on multiple possessions, which is a great sign," said Lorenson.

He also praised Carson Busch's performance off the bench: "He has continued to work while he has had some struggles, and it was rewarding to see him make big plays and shots when our team really needed them."

Key Stats & Team Breakdown

  • Field Goal Percentage: Graceland 45.3% (24-53), Peru State 37.7% (23-61)
  • Three-Point Shooting: Graceland 40.0% (8-20), Peru State 26.9% (7-26)
  • Free Throw Shooting: Graceland 63.2% (12-19), Peru State 50.0% (8-16)
  • Rebounds: Graceland 38, Peru State 25
  • Turnovers: Graceland 19, Peru State 13
  • Bench Points: Graceland 21, Peru State 11

Next Up: Heart Conference Championship Game

Graceland will now compete for the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament title on Tuesday, March 4. The Yellowjackets will face the winner of No. 1 seed Baker vs. No. 4 seed MidAmerica Nazarene, a matchup taking place later Saturday night in Baldwin City, Kansas.

"We are excited to represent Graceland on Tuesday. Whether that game is at home or at Baker, it will be a high-level matchup, and we will be ready to compete for the entire game," added Lorenson.

For more information on Graceland men's basketball and Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.