No. 20 Graceland Outlasts MidAmerica Nazarene, 72-65 in Road Matinee

OLATHE, Kan. — In an unusual Monday afternoon tilt, No. 20 Graceland men's basketball team secured a critical Heart of America Athletic Conference victory, defeating MidAmerica Nazarene University, 72-65, on the road at the Cook Center. The Yellowjackets improve to 18-3 overall and 12-1 in conference play, while MNU falls to 10-10 overall and 5-7 in Heart action.

The contest, originally scheduled for Saturday but postponed due to a snowstorm that swept through the Midwest, tipped at 2:30 p.m. in front of an relatively empty gym—an atypical scene but one that didn't disrupt the Jackets' rhythm.

"This was a really good road win for our team," said Graceland head coach Todd Lorensen. "We continue to roll with the punches as our roster fluctuates through injuries and illnesses, and we haven't skipped a beat. Multiple guys have had to change positions and minutes depending on availability, and we've done a great job of staying fluid."

Graceland's offense delivered balance, with three players scoring 14 points each: Micah Lamberth (4-of-5 FG, 2-of-2 3PT, 4-of-5 FT), Carson Busch (6-of-12 FG, 2-of-5 3PT), and Aaron James (6-of-12 FG, 2-of-2 FT). Emarion Ellis added 12 points, including 7-of-10 from the line, and Runey Hernandez chipped in 8 points and 11 rebounds to lead all players on the glass.

The Jackets shot 45.3% from the field, including 52.2% in the second half, while holding MNU to 40.3% overall shooting. Graceland also out-rebounded the Pioneers 40-34, controlling the defensive glass (31 DRB).

Coach Lorensen noted the impact of that scoring depth and late-game execution: "Offensively we had great balance with three guys at 14 points and a couple others just under double digits. This time of year, you've got to get stops down the stretch and make free throws, which we did today."

The Yellowjackets led 35-31 at the break despite shooting just 40.0% in the first half and committing 7 turnovers. The Pioneers hung around behind the efforts of Malachi Bryant, who led all scorers with 19 points, but Graceland's perimeter defense held MNU to 6-of-23 (26.1%) from long range on the day.

Graceland opened the second half with a 7-0 run, sparked by James and Josh Sanderson, who knocked down a key three to push the lead to double digits at 42-31. From there, Graceland weathered several MNU surges but never relinquished the lead.

Key Stats and Notes

• Points in the Paint: Graceland 37, MNU 31

• Second-Chance Points: Graceland 11, MNU 4

• Free Throw Shooting: Graceland 17-of-22 (77.3%), MNU 9-of-18 (50.0%)

• Turnovers: Graceland 11, MNU 5

• Bench Points: Graceland 16, MNU 15

The team's adaptability once again proved essential. Hernandez played a hybrid forward-center role due to frontcourt injuries, while Ellis and Trey Summers rotated between guard spots. Kaamil Domingo added quality minutes off the bench with 6 rebounds and 2 points.

"We still have a big week with two remaining games before we get a chance to catch our breath with a bye next week," Lorensen said. "We'll have to rest quickly. We need a focused practice tomorrow and be ready for a big game Wednesday night."

The win sets the stage for a pivotal rematch with William Penn (IA) this Wednesday night. The Jackets' only conference loss of the season came against the Statesmen on Jan. 14, when Graceland saw a late lead evaporate in an 85-83 buzzer-beater loss on the road. That defeat has remained a motivating point for a team now riding a surge of wins and sitting atop the Heart standings with a two-game lead.

Wednesday's showdown at 7:30 p.m. CST in the Morden Center in Lamoni will also serve as the Heart of America Athletic Conference Game of the Week, drawing spotlight coverage across the region.

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