Yellowjackets Power Through Adversity to Win 10th Straight, 79–70 at Briar Cliff

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Shorthanded but unfazed, the Graceland University men's basketball team extended its winning streak to 10 games with a 79–70 road victory over Briar Cliff University on Monday afternoon. Despite missing two starters — Runey Hernandez and Deundra Roberson — the Yellowjackets leaned on efficient scoring, veteran leadership, and tough defensive sequences to notch a statement win heading into the holiday break.

Graceland improved to 11-2 overall on the season and remains 5-0 in Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) play, while Briar Cliff fell to 5-7 overall, holding a 2-4 mark in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) competition.

"Heading into the holidays it's always nice to get a win," said Graceland Head Coach Todd Lorensen. "With finals week and no one around campus it can always be an odd time to keep your group focused, but our team has been very mature and locked in. It definitely allows you to enjoy the break a little bit more."

Graceland shot 56.6% from the field (30-of-53), dominating the painted area with a 50–20 advantage in points in the paint and securing 10 second-chance points off of nine offensive rebounds. The Jackets also limited themselves to just six turnovers while dishing out 10 assists as a unit.

The win was fueled by standout performances from upperclassman guards Carson Busch and Cole Bowen, who combined for 52 points. Bowen scored 28 points, including 9-of-12 from the free throw line, and pulled down eight rebounds while going 9-for-14 from the field.

"Cole had one of the best second halves I've seen someone have," Lorensen noted. "He was great offensively, playing with the ball at the rim, finishing, and getting to the foul line. At the same time, he was big for us defensively and great on the glass."

Busch delivered another efficient outing, finishing with 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. He added two steals and played a team-high 39 minutes, setting the tone on both ends.

"Carson was just his normal self—very unassuming but extremely efficient and productive," said Lorensen. "He's steady and keeps our tempo in check."

Graceland jumped out to a 41–34 halftime lead behind 64% shooting in the first half and maintained control through a tight second frame despite multiple lead changes. The Jackets saw their lead trimmed early in the second half, but regrouped after a key timeout and responded with a 12–4 run fueled by stops and transition baskets.

In a breakout performance, Kaamil Domingo posted 10 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in just 23 minutes off the bench, his most impactful game of the season. He was particularly active on the defensive end, generating two steals and forcing Briar Cliff into multiple contested looks.

"Kaamil had his best game to date," Lorensen said. "His disruption on the defensive side of the basketball created a few key turnovers that led to breakaway plays at the rim, which were huge at the time. I hope this is a turning point for him as he brings a ton to the table and continues to get better each day out."

The Yellowjackets also received strong rebounding from Micah Lamberth, who collected seven boards and added five points, while Trey Summers and Josh Sanderson chipped in defensively during key rotations.

Graceland's defensive effort was underscored by holding Briar Cliff to just 41.1% shooting, with only one Charger reaching double figures. Jaxson Wingert led Briar Cliff with 24 points, including 5-of-6 from three, but the Chargers were outmatched in interior scoring and rebounding. The Yellowjackets out-rebounded the home team 35–24 and held a 10–2 edge in second-chance points.

As the Yellowjackets head into a short break, Coach Lorensen emphasized the team's mental maturity as a key reason behind their streak.

"That's been a very impressive part of this team — our ability to have key players out for a game or two and have different guys step up and make the most of their opportunities," Lorensen said. "We have a lot of belief in our group, and it showed again today."

The victory closes out Graceland's nonconference slate for 2025. The Jackets will return to action Saturday, Jan. 3, on the road against Culver-Stockton (Mo.) in a pivotal conference matchup at Charles Field House in Canton, Mo. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. CST.

For more on Graceland University men's basketball and all Yellowjackets athletics, visit GUjackets.com

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