Winona Lake, IN – A rivalry has been formed in recent years between Grace Christian University and Great Lakes Christian College, with the in-state opponents being two of the top teams in the NCCAA since 2018. The Tigers and Crusaders tipped-off at Grace College (IN) Tuesday afternoon, a game that would prove to be very evenly matched throughout on the neutral floor.
 
After a slow start that resulted in a 42-37 lead at the half for the Great Lakes Crusaders, Grace battled their way back to a four-point advantage with three minutes remaining in the game, carrying all the momentum on their side.  At this point, however, two consecutive three-point shots and an and-one basket from the Crusaders resulting in a 9-0 run, a shift of momentum, and a five-point lead with one minute remaining in the game. Two three-point shots from Thomas Hill and Chandler Rivers would trim Grace's deficit to 84-83 and provided some hope with four seconds remaining, but a scramble for a rebound off a missed free throw from Great Lakes would subsequently expire the clock and result in an 84-83 final.
 
Junior Kellum Bridgeforth led the Tigers with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Rivers added 23, including a career-high 7 three-point field goals.
 
The NCCAA DII #8 Grace Tigers are now 3-7 on the year and 2-3 in the division. Next up for the Tigers is a road trip to Appalachian Bible College for an NCCAA DII match-up against the Warriors this Saturday at 11:00 am.