DES MOINES, IOWA – Grand View men's basketball hosted William Penn for their second matchup of the week at Sisam Arena. After a closely contested start in the first half, the Vikings found their rhythm and took control, dominating every aspect of the game. Their impressive performance secured a decisive 79-62 victory.

Jaxson Young once again led the charge for the Vikings, delivering a stellar performance with 21 points, 12 of which came in the second half. Joe Knutson made a significant impact as well, recording a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, including six on the offensive glass. Ayden Foster and Jackson Green added to the offensive firepower, contributing 12 and 10 points, respectively, as all four players scored in double figures.

The Statesmen started strong, jumping out to an early 7-point lead near the 10-minute mark. However, the Vikings responded with poise. Jaxson Young scored five straight points to chip away at the deficit, and Luke Hart capitalized on a turnover by going coast to coast for a key basket. Jackson Green then sank a crucial three-pointer to halt William Penn's momentum, sparking a 6-1 run that gave Grand View a 33-32 lead heading into halftime.

Building on that momentum, the Vikings came out firing in the second half, electrifying Sisam Arena with an 8-0 run in the first four minutes to establish their largest lead of the game. Joe Knutson delivered the dagger, sinking a three-pointer off an assist from Jaxson Young with 13 minutes remaining, effectively putting the game out of reach. Grand View extended their lead to as much as 21 points and remained disciplined down the stretch, securing a dominant 79-62 victory.

Grand View's balanced approach was key to their success, as they outscored William Penn 14-10 in points off turnovers, showcasing their defensive pressure and transition efficiency. While the Statesmen had a slight edge in second-chance points (11-10), the Vikings dominated the paint, scoring 36 points to William Penn's 26. Bench contributions were nearly even, with William Penn narrowly edging Grand View 23-22. Ultimately, the Vikings' ability to control the game's tempo, protect their lead, and dominate inside proved decisive in their commanding win.
 
GAME NOTES

• Jaxson Young dominated offensively with 21 points, 12 of which came in the second half, while also contributing 5 assists.
• Joe Knutson delivered a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, including 6 on the offensive glass.
• Ayden Foster showcased efficiency, shooting a flawless 4-for-4 from the field and free-throw line to finish with 12 points.
• Jackson Green added 10 points, including two key three-pointers that kept the momentum with Grand View.
• Grand View's bench stepped up with 22 points, led by Luke Hart's 8 and James Ogrodnik's 6.
• The Vikings dominated in the paint, outscoring William Penn 36-26 inside.
• A strong defensive effort helped Grand View convert 14 points off turnovers.
• Grand View's largest lead of the game reached 21 points midway through the second half.
• The team shot an impressive 64% from the field in the second half to seal the win.
• Grand View has won the last three match-ups against the Statesmen two of which came in Sisam Arena.

UP NEXT
Grand View is set to host MidAmerica Nazarene University on Saturday, January 11th, at 4:00 p.m. in Sisam Arena, marking the conclusion of their regular season series against the Pioneers.

 

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