Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Lansing, MI – The Grace Christian University men's basketball team kicked off their season at Great Lakes Christian College in the William Westerlund Memorial Classic over the weekend, starting things off Friday evening with a decisive 85-55 victory over Emmaus Bible College and struggling Saturday morning against Manhattan Christian College in an 87-73 setback.

On Friday the Tigers led from start to finish and spread the wealth in the scoring column with 12 different players scoring. Jarius Shumpert led Grace with 18 points, followed by Kierson Watts with 15. The Tigers outrebounded the Eagles 49-33, led by Shumpert and Kellum Bridgeforth with 7 each.

Outside shooting was a key factor in Saturday's loss, as the Thunder shot 14-28 from beyond the arc compared to 7-21 from the Tigers. Kierson Watts led the Tigers with 16 points to go with a team-high 8 rebounds, followed by Kellum Bridgeforth with 13 points and 7 assists.

"I want to give Manhattan credit because they came in and played well and kept us from doing what we wanted to," said Grace Head Coach Gary Bailey. "These types of games are really good for our players to see where we are.  Players come to Grace to compete for championships but they need to learn that they are not just handed out but need to be earned.  We have a good and talented group but we need to begin focusing on the little things.  We certainly have a good list of things to work on.  We will get better."

The Tigers return to the court Wednesday evening in their home opener at the Aldrich Athletic Center, facing Spring Arbor University at 7:00 pm.