Joplin, MO - In a game of runs and momentum shifts Wednesday evening in the NCCAA Elite 8, Arlington Baptist picked the right time for their largest spurt, outscoring the Grace Christian University Tigers 13-3 in the final 3:30 to secure a 77-71 victory and their place in the NCCAA DII Final Four.

The Tigers played a strong first half, leading by as many as 10 points and taking a 38-30 advantage into the break. The second half started with an immediate 8-0 run from Arlington to tie things up, and then they'd take the lead from the Tigers at 47-44 with 15:00 remaining. Chandler Rivers knocked down back to back three point shots to kick off a Grace run to recapture the lead at 52-48 at the 12:00 mark, and the rest of the game was a whirlwind. Arlington went on a 16-6 run to take a 64-58 lead, and then a 10-0 run from the Tigers would result in a four-point advantage for the Tigers. The momentum seemed to be entirely in Grace's favor after a charge taken and subsequent jump shot from Thomas Hill capped off the run with just 3:30 left to play. In the blink of an eye, Arlington answered right back with baskets on three consecutive possessions, resulting in a 71-71 tie with only 1:30 to play.

Spencer Grant led the Tigers with 20 points, followed by Chandler Rivers with 16 and Jarius Shumpert with 14. Arlington finished 13-24 from beyond the arc, while the Tigers shot 7-29.

The Tigers will play Calvary University tomorrow in the 10 am consolation game to close out their 2020-21 season.