Detroit, MI - The Grace men's basketball team faced the challenge of NCCAA DII #1 Great Lakes Christian College at Little Caesars Arena Tuesday afternoon, looking to keep the momentum going after a win over the #3 team in the nation (Cambellsville-Harrodsburg) last Friday.

The Tigers could do no wrong in the first five minutes of the  game, sprinting out to a 17-0 lead to start the game. They would cool down a bit but maintained their lead until a huge run from the Crusaders closed the game all the way to a tie by the halftime buzzer.

The second half proved to be neck-and-neck throughout, but turnovers (24 total) and a memorable shooting night from Great Lakes' TQ Belcher (9  3PT FG) would  ultimately result in the Tigers falling short by a score of 93-89.

"We prepared very well for this game," said Grace Head Coach Gary Bailey. "That was evident in jumping out to a 17-0 start. Great Lakes' pressure is really good but our turnovers were from a variety of reasons - breakdowns in our offense or uncertainty with the ball. They shot the ball as well as any team I have seen in my 17 years. Our guys know that they can play with anyone now that we are healthy and we look forward to seeing how the season progresses."

Kellum Bridgeforth led the Tigers with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Jarius Shumpert added 17 points, while Thomas Hill and Kierson Watts had 13 and 12, respectively.

The Tigers have a busy 7 days ahead, as they fly out to Florida Wednesday for two weekend games against Fort Lauderdale University and then they will face the #1 Great Lakes Crusaders again on their home floor next Tuesday, February 1st.