Wyoming, MI – Spring Arbor University came to town Wednesday afternoon to face the Grace Christian University men's basketball team in their home opener at Aldrich Athletic Center.
 
After a slow start by the Tigers that saw the Cougars take an early 13-point lead, they shook off the jitters and put together a late first half surge that closed the gap all the way to three points and set the stage for an entertaining second half. The entire second half was back-and-forth, with the Tigers seeing chances to tie the game or take the lead at the 12:00, 10:00, and 7:00 mark but going empty on their possession. After falling behind by 9 points with 5:00 remaining after a Cougar run, the Tigers trimmed things back to a one possession game with 2:19 remaining after a basket from Kellum Bridgeforth. The Cougars would then score a basket and the Tigers missed four straight free throws to allow Spring Arbor to build their lead and knock down late free throws for an eventual 73-63 victory.
 
Bridgeforth led the Tigers in five different categories in the box score, with 25 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. Parker Neu and Jarius Shumpert both pitched in 10 points, and Neu added 7 rebounds.
 
The Grace men return to the floor this weekend for the John F. Bailey Classic, kicking things off Friday at the Aldrich Athletic Center against Welch College at 7:00 pm.