DES MOINES, IOWA – The Grand View men's basketball team battled throughout but came up short against Graceland University, falling 83-69 on Tuesday night at Sisam Arena.
The opening half saw both teams trade baskets early as the game remained tight.
Lukas Helms got the Vikings on the board with a jumper assisted by
Joe Knutson to tie the game at 2-2, and Knutson added another basket to give Grand View a 4-2 lead.
Jaxson Young converted a layup to extend the advantage to 6-5, and Knutson hit another jumper assisted by Young to make it 8-7. However, Graceland's Cole Bowen began to take control in the paint with multiple layups and free throws as the Yellow Jackets built their lead. James Ogrodink sparked the Vikings with a layup and a three-pointer assisted by
Daviyon Gaston to cut the deficit to 21-15.
Patrick Worrell provided energy off the bench with a quick three-pointer to bring Grand View within striking distance.
O'Shawn Jones-Winslow hit a three-pointer assisted by Worrell to make it 31-24, and Gaston converted two free throws to cut it to 37-31.
Rodell Davis Jr. knocked down a three-pointer assisted by
Matthew Boldt late in the half, but Graceland held a 45-36 lead at the break.
Grand View fought back in the second half with strong play from their starters. Knutson scored a layup assisted by Young to cut the deficit to 47-38, and Gaston hit two free throws to make it 48-40.
Carson Bennett drilled a three-pointer assisted by Young to bring the Vikings within seven at 50-43, and Gaston continued to attack, hitting free throws to cut it to 53-47. The Vikings kept battling as Gaston and Davis Jr. added a pair of baskets to bring Grand View within two at 55-53. However, Graceland responded with a run behind Carson Busch, who hit multiple three-pointers to push the lead back to 63-54. Young converted free throws and hit a jumper to cut the deficit to 65-58, but the Yellow Jackets maintained their cushion. Gaston continued his strong play with a layup and a three-pointer assisted by
Frankie Chiodo to bring the Vikings within 10 at 77-67, but Graceland's hot shooting from beyond the arc proved too much to overcome. The Yellow Jackets hit late three-pointers to seal the victory as Grand View fell 83-69.
GAME NOTES:
- Daviyon Gaston led the Vikings with 23 points on 8 of 17 shooting, going 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, and added 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
- Jaxson Young contributed 13 points on 4 of 12 shooting and added 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
- Joe Knutson chipped in 6 points on 3 of 5 shooting and pulled down 2 rebounds.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Vikings will stay home over the weekend, taking on Mount Marty University in Sisam Arena on Sunday, November 30th at 4:00 PM.
