DES MOINES, IOWA - The Grand View men's basketball team used a strong second-half performance to defeat Park University 71-64 on Tuesday night at home.

The game started well for Grand View as Joe Knutson knocked down a three-pointer assisted by Patrick Worrell to give the Vikings an early 3-0 lead. The lead changed hands multiple times in the opening half as both teams traded baskets. Lukas Helms tied it at 11-11 with a layup and a pair of free throws. Rodell Davis Jr. hit a three-pointer to pull Grand View within one at 15-14, and Daviyon Gaston scored a layup to make it 23-21. O'Shawn Jones-Winslow's layup tied it at 23-23, and after Park took a 25-23 edge, Jones-Winslow and Luke Hart combined for three free throws. Helms drained a three-pointer late to cut the deficit to 31-29 at halftime.

Grand View found their rhythm in the second half. Helms scored a layup assisted by Worrell, and Jaxson Young added another to pull within two at 35-33. Worrell hit a three-pointer assisted by Gaston to get the Vikings with one. Gaston scored a layup assisted by Helms to give Grand View their first lead of the half at 38-37. Frankie Chiodo connected on a crucial three-pointer assisted by Gaston to give the Vikings a 43-41 lead. Davis Jr. hit a three-pointer assisted by Gaston to help Grand View build momentum. Helms converted a jumper assisted by Young, and Gaston scored a layup assisted by Young. After Park briefly took the lead, Davis Jr. answered with a three-pointer assisted by Gaston to get back within one. Helms made two free throws, and Gaston scored a fastbreak layup assisted by Helms to give Grand View a 63-62 lead. Helms made a free throw to extend it to 64-62, and Gaston converted a three-point play to push the advantage to 67-62. Helms sealed the game with a layup and two free throws in the final seconds as the Vikings held on for a 71-64 victory.
 

GAME NOTES:

• Lukas Helms led all scorers with 27 points on 10-11 free throw shooting, adding 9 rebounds.
• Daviyon Gaston contributed 11 points with 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
• Rodell Davis Jr. provided crucial three-point shooting with 9 points, going 3-4 from beyond the arc.
• Patrick Worrell added 8 points with 5 rebounds.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Grand View improves to 18-7 overall and 13-5 in conference play with an important home victory.The Vikings will close the regular season on the road, playing Central Methodist on Saturday, February 14th, and Graceland on Wednesday, February 18th.