WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace's men's basketball team could not overcome a cold shooting day, falling to Mt. Vernon Nazarene 83-75 on Saturday.

The No. 9 Lancers (18-4, 7-3 Crossroads League) shot just 4 of 20 (20 percent) on 3-pointers. Grace struggled mightily from the free throw line as well, making half of its attempts at 11 of 22.

Conversely, the Cougars (14-7, 5-5 CL) shot 49 percent overall from the floor and 50 percent on 3-pointers (10 of 20). MVNU also made 81 percent of its free throws (21 of 26).

The first half was a game of runs. Grace scored the first four points of the game thanks to a 3-pointer from Frankie Davidson.

The Cougars responded to grab a five-point edge, but Grace countered to regain the lead. Carter Stoltzfus buried a 3-pointer to earn a five-point edge, and a free throw by Jakob Gibbs put Grace on top 24-18.

But the Cougars seized control of the game with a 16-6 charge, burying four 3-pointers in the process.

Not long after, MVNU hit another triple followed by three free throws after being fouled on a 3-point attempt. With less than three minutes to play, Grace trailed by 10 at 40-30.

The Lancers managed to pull within six at halftime and trailed 45-39.

Ian Scott made all four of his field goals for a team-high nine points. Grace shot just 42 percent from the floor and 33 percent on 3-pointers. The Cougars shot 56 percent from the floor and 58 percent (7 of 12) on triples.

The Cougars turned the ball over 10 times, but MVNU did grab six more rebounds than Grace. Elijah Malone was limited to 4:51 of action after picking up two early fouls.

Brycen Graber gave Grace a boost to start the second half, making back-to-back buckets to help Grace quickly tie the score.

Malone also scored four quick points as Grace grabbed a 47-45 lead. The Cougars responded calmly, however, regaining the lead and eventually pulling ahead by nine with 9:50 remaining.

But Grace came charging back. The Lancers scored nine unanswered points, starting with an emphatic dunk by Davidson.

A score in the paint by Malone leveled the game at 66-66 with seven minutes on the clock. Malone dunked again a few minutes later to keep the score tied at 68-68.

Unfortunately for Grace, the Lancers went cold offensively over the next few minutes. Grace did not make another field goal for nearly three minutes.

The Cougars earned easy points at the free throw line during Grace's struggles, opening up a seven-point edge at 76-69 with just over two minutes to play.

MVNU made seven free throws in the final minute to secure the upset over the No. 9 Lancers.

Jake Wadding led Grace in scoring with 12 points and seven rebounds, and Malone added 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks.

Scott finished with 11 points on 5 of 5 shooting, and Jakob Gibbs added seven points and three assists.

Davidson had nine points and six rebounds, and Graber also scored nine. Carter Stoltzfus had six points with three assists, Eddie Gill IV notched 6 points, 2 assists and 2 blocks, and Cade Gibbs had four points with three steals.

The Lancers are on the road next, playing at No. 16 Marian on Wednesday at 7 p.m.