Box Score BOX SCORE

Marion, IN – The Grace men's basketball team traveled to Indiana Wesleyan University Tuesday night to face the undefeated NAIA DII #6 Wildcats.  Despite battling foul trouble for the majority of the game, the Tigers would hold their own for 34 minutes, staying within striking distance against the 2014 and 2016 NAIA National Champion for the majority of the game.

With starting point guard Brandon Winchester-Jones picking up a quick 3 fouls, freshman Hunter Greer was called upon to step in and run the team, and he did in a big way, scoring a team-high and career-high 18 points on the night on 7-13 shooting.  Fellow freshman DeAndre Metcalf would also provide a huge spark off the bench with 9 points on 4-6 shooting. 

The game would remain close and the Tigers would find themselves within reach midway through the second half, only down 5.  A lackluster stretch between the 6 and 4 minute mark in the second half would ultimately sink the Tigers, as the Wildcats forced a couple key turnovers that led to easy baskets and a double-digit cushion that they would keep for the remainder of the game. 

Grace would outrebound Indiana Wesleyan 43-39, but they would lose the possession battle with 27 turnovers compared to only 14 commited by the Wildcats.  The Wildcats also had a huge advantage getting to the foul line, shooting 43 free throws compared to the Tigers' 9.

"It's difficult playing a team like Indiana Wesleyan on their home court," commented Head Coach Gary Bailey.  "And it's difficult to overcome 27 turnovers, but I've never been in a game that was so lopsided in free-throw attempts.  Since we can't control how the officials call the game, we need to get better at controlling what we can and that is taking care of the ball and getting better shots.  We stayed with with a great team for over 30 minutes and then had six consecutive trips without getting a shot.  You're not going to win any close games like that."

Senior Bernard Smith led the Tigers with 7 rebounds, followed by sophomore Adam Kregel with 6.  Kansas University transfer Evan Maxwell led Indiana Wesleyan with 16 points.

The Tigers return to the floor against two more NAIA schools this weekend at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois, for the Troll Classic.  They will face Saint Ambrose University (IA) on Friday at 5:00 pm and Trinity Christian at 3:00 pm Saturday.  The games will be available to watch live, by following the links on our schedule page.