DES MOINES, IA – Grand View hosted Culver-Stockton College in a Heart of America Conference matchup, coming out on top with an 85-74 win. A strong team performance, led by
Jackson Green and
Ayden Foster, showcased the Vikings' balanced attack and defensive prowess.
The Vikings wasted no time establishing their offense, starting with an early connection between Green and Jackson Young that resulted in a three-point basket from Green. Foster quickly added to the tally with a pair of layups, sandwiched between another Green three-pointer and two free throws. Defensive stops, including momentum-shifting blocks by Young and
Patrick Worrell, amplified the Vikings' early dominance. Grand View's success from beyond the arc was a key factor, facilitated by
Matthew Boldt's ability to distribute the ball. Boldt recorded assists on three-point baskets by Worrell, Green, and
James Ogrodink. Offensive momentum continued to build with Ogrodink converting an and-one layup and Joe Knudson knocking down a jumper off an assist from
Ra'Shjon Martinez.
Connor Robertson made an immediate impact off the bench with a three-pointer assisted by Foster, while Green capped off the quarter with another three-point play on an and-one layup. This late effort gave the Vikings a comfortable eight-point lead heading into halftime. Green led the team with 14 points at the break, but the balanced attack saw scoring contributions from seven different players.
The second half opened with more dynamic play, starting with a no-look pass from Foster to Worrell for a three-pointer. Young added a layup to the mix, and Green continued his hot shooting from deep, draining another three-pointer off an assist from Young. The Wildcats fought back in the second half, applying defensive pressure and capitalizing on a few Viking turnovers to reduce the deficit. However, the Vikings remained composed. Martinez knocked down a clutch three-pointer and followed it up with lockdown defense, forcing a turnover to stifle the Wildcats' momentum. Green and Young reignited their connection, with Green sinking another three-pointer from Young's assist. Despite Culver-Stockton closing the gap to just five points late in the game, deep shots from Foster, Green, and Young sealed the deal for Grand View. Green and Foster led the second-half scoring efforts with 10 points each, finishing the game with 24 and 14 points, respectively.
Grand View's balanced offense proved too much for Culver-Stockton, as four Vikings reached double figures, and eight players contributed to the scoring column. The Vikings edged out the Wildcats in several categories, including rebounds (30-28), assists (18-13), and second-chance points (12-8). Their ability to limit turnovers compared to the Wildcats and maintain composure during Culver-Stockton's late push was critical in securing the win.
GAME NOTES
- Jackson Green boasted 24 points, going 6-11 from the 3-point line, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
- Ayden Foster poured in 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
- Jaxson Young was a key distributor leading with 6 assists, in addition to adding 4 rebounds, and 2 steals.
- Patrick Worrell pulled down 6 rebounds, added 11 points, and 2 assists.
UP NEXT
Grand View continues its conference schedule with a home matchup against the Yellowjackets of Graceland University on Wednesday, December 11, at 5:30 p.m.
