Spring Arbor, MI – It was a battle of defending National Champions Tuesday night at Spring Arbor University, as the NCCAA DII reigning champs Grace Christian University traveled to face the 2019 NAIA DII Champion Cougars, who are also ranked #1 in the NAIA national rankings currently.

The Tigers started the game playing well on both ends of the floor, developing a 12 point lead in the first half.  A cold streak from Grace would result in a huge Cougar run to finish the first period, with the home team taking a 37-36 advantage into the halftime break.

On the back of senior Austin Jackson, the Tigers would match the efficient Spring Arbor offense almost basket-for-basket until about the five-minute mark.  At this point, a couple empty possessions from the Tigers and three-point plays from the Cougars would ultimately sink the Tigers.  The final score ended up Spring Arbor 89, Grace 76.

Jackson led all scorers with 29 points on 14-22 shooting.

"We played very well the majority of the first half," said Grace Head Coach Gary Bailey.  "We played like we are capable.  We took a couple bad shots and they capitalized immediately. In the second half I thought we looked a little defeated. It was difficult to figure out what we could do defensively from the first half to the second half. He felt like the officiating changed but we didn't adjust. They made their free throws which was probably the difference. Give credit to Spring Arbor, there's a reason why they are the reigning national champions in the number one team in the country."

The Tigers hit the road again today and things don't get any easier, as they will face NCAA DII Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw, MI at 7:00 pm.