Livonia, MI – The Grace Tigers were 20 seconds away from a very good road win against Madonna University (NAIA DII) Wednesday evening, before the Crusaders would score the final basket of the game to escape with an 82-81 win on their home floor.
The Tigers led by as many as 16 points in the first half, before the Crusaders went on a big run to close out the half and set the stage for an entertaining final 20 minutes of play. After trading baskets on a consistent basis, the Tigers held an 81-80 advantage with 20 seconds remaining in the game. The Crusaders were able to get a huge basket to take the lead back, and Brandon Winchester-Jones' potential game winning three point shot went long. Grant Garrison tipped the ball in afterwards, but the referee correctly waived the basket off, as it was just after the buzzer had sounded.
The Tigers out-rebounded the Crusaders 40-29, but committed 19 turnovers and struggled from the free throw line, shooting 3-8.
Garrison led the Tigers with 19 points, followed by Adam Kregel with 14. Bernard Smith had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Caleb Anderson dished out a team-high 5 assists. Austin Jackson had a great start to the game with 8 quick points, but unfortunately went down with an ankle injury in the first half.
"I was really proud of our guys tonight despite all of the adversity," commented Head Coach Gary Bailey. "Brandon (Winchester-Jones) picked up three fouls in the first half and only played about six minutes. Austin went down with a sprained ankle and was lost for the game. Our bench really stepped up and did well for us. Once again the difference tonight was free throw shooting. Add three front ends of the bonus missed and we were actually 3-11. They were 16-18. To lead the entire game and lose it down the stretch was extra hard. We had a great look at a three and Grant's tip-in was just a millisecond too late, or else this would be an entirely different article."
Grace, now 11-6 on the season, will cap off the 2018 calendar year with a game against Lake Forest College at home on Friday night at 7:00 pm. For those planning on attending, please consider donating a new toy at the gate and in exchange you will receive free admission!
