Box Score Palos Heights, IL – The Grace men's basketball team took care of business in their first game at the Trinity Christian College Troll Classic in the windy city, defeating St. Ambrose University 77-74.  The Tigers led from start to finish over the Bees, who were 3-1 coming into the game with their only other loss coming in a close game with NAIA #9 Indiana University East.

Sophomore Adam Kregel started the game off on the right foot for the Tigers, knocking down back-to-back threes at the beginning of the game.  Senior Adam Rayner would come in to provide a spark with 6 points towards the end of the half to help the Tigers take a 47-37 advantage into the break.  The Tigers would hold on to their double digit lead until the 9 minute mark in the second half.  At this point, the Bees would make one final push, but the Tigers would ultimately hold them off for the three-point win.

"We are continuing to play better and better but we are still having a lot of mental errors in crucial spots," commented Head Coach Gary Bailey.  "We will continue to work on those things.  I really like the way this team just digs in and plays hard.  We beat a really good team tonight and still have a lot of room for improvement."

Senior Bernard Smith dominated the paint the entire game for the Tigers, leading all scorers with 18 points on an efficient 8-11 shooting.  Sophomore guard Brandon Winchester-Jones followed with 15 points and 4 steals, while sophomore Adam Kregel pitched in 12 points on 4-5 three-point shooting.  Freshman Hunter Greer led the Tigers with 5 assists.

Grace moves to 3-2 on the season heading into this afternoon's match-up with the host school, Trinity Christian College.  Tip-off is at 3:00 pm ET, and the game can be watched live, here.