Box Score | PHOTOS
Wyoming, MI – The Grace Bible College men's basketball team made the transition to the Mideast region this season, a region that consisted of four of the top ten teams in the NCCAA.  The Tigers would avenge a couple regional losses earlier in the season with a dominant performance at the regional tournament on their home floor this past weekend, defeating Kentucky Christian by 27 points in the semi-final and the University of Valley Forge by 9 in the final game.

Both teams brought a lot of energy right from the tip in the championship game, as the Aldrich Athletic Center was packed and the atmosphere was top-notch.  The Tigers would build a lead to as many as 14 points before a mini-run from Valley Forge cut the deficit to 11 at the halftime break.

The Patriots would make a valiant effort in the second half, but the Tigers made the plays necessary to capture the regional banner with an 84-75 win.  Sophomore Caleb Anderson made some big plays, but none larger than a contested pull up three-point shot with three minutes remaining and the shot clock dwindling down that gave the Tigers a 7-point lead, rather than the Patriots having possession and momentum only down 4 points.

"I really loved the way our guys adapted this weekend to three totally different styles of basketball," commented Head Coach Gary Bailey.  "We went from slow and methodical to a more typical and efficient team, to an athletic, physical, up-tempo game and the guys kept with the game plan and played really consistent 'Grace Basketball.'  This is a very good team that doesn't get rattled by the change of opponent.  I am sure they will work hard the next week and a half to make sure to keep their edge as we prepare for the National Tournament."

Junior Bernard Smith had his second straight double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds.  Smith was awarded the tournament's MVP honor.  Anderson and senior Jared Bradford both followed with 16 points, as Anderson was also honored with All-Tournament Team honors.  Sophomore Austin Jackson was solid as always, scoring 12 points and pulling down 8 boards.  Bradford led the Tigers with 6 assists. 

Sunday night the seeding for the National Tournament was announced, and the Tigers were awarded the #1 overall seed, jumping from being ranked #4 overall last week.  They have now won 17 straight games headed into the tournament and sit at 24-9 on the season.  Their first match-up will be Thursday, March 8, at 8 pm against a former regional opponent, Moody Bible Institute, the 2017 North region champs.