WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace's men's basketball team extended its winning streak to five straight to begin the season.
The No. 8 Lancers muscled by Bushnell 89-66 on Saturday to wrap up the Crossroads/Cascade Classic.
The classic was the first annual event, joining the Crossroads League and the Cascade Collegiate Conference for four games over the weekend. The tournament will resume next year with the games to be played at Oregon Tech in 2023.
Elijah Malone starred during Saturday's win, powering his way to 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists.
The first half was played evenly for the first several minutes. After 11 minutes of action, Grace and Bushnell were even at 21-21.
The Lancers began to gain separation by scoring in transition. Cade Gibbs scored four quick points to jumpstart the offense for Grace.
Jake Wadding gave Grace a boost with a fastbreak layup. He then promptly stole the inbounds pass and scored another layup for a quick four-point swing.
Elijah Malone sent the Lancers into halftime with momentum. The center canned two triples, including a stepback 3-pointer in the waning seconds to bring the crowd to its feet.
Grace went into halftime with a 43-32 lead. Grace made 52 percent of its shots and 57 percent of its 3-pointers. Malone had 10 points to lead all players at the break.
The Lancers' balanced scoring was seen again to begin the second half. Grace's first five field goals in the second half were made by five different players.
Midway into the second half, Grace began to pull away for good with a 13-4 run. Cade Gibbs scored the first six points of the run, and Malone scored five at the end. Malone's triple capped off the run, putting the Lancers on top 73-52.
The lead hovered around 20 points for most of the remaining minutes, and Grace coasted to the final 23-point margin of victory.
Malone's 19 points came on 6 of 10 shooting, including 4 of 5 from the 3-point line.
Cade Gibbs shot 7 of 11 for his total of 16 points and four rebounds, and his brother Jakob Gibbs tallied 12 points and six boards.
Frankie Davidson ended with 11 points and three assists, and Brett Sickafoose tallied 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals off the bench.
Wadding amassed 9 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals, Carter Stoltzfus had 6 points, 2 assists and 2 steals, and Brycen Graber handed out seven assists with one turnover.
Grace shot 58 percent from the floor as a team. They also made 53 percent on 3-pointers and 81 percent on free throws.
The Lancers have two home games next week, both of which are doubleheaders with Grace's women's squad. Grace will host Judson on Tuesday at 8 p.m. and Spring Arbor on Saturday at 3 p.m.
