HILO, Hawaii - Grace's men's basketball team played its closest game of the year on Thursday, coming out on top 74-72 against Nelson (Ariz.).

The win continues the undefeated start to the year for the No. 1 Lancers (13-0). It was remarkably Grace's first game with a final score within single digits this year. Prior to Thursday, Grace's closest game was a 12-point win over Spring Arbor (91-79).

Thursday's game wrapped up Grace's two games during its trip to Hawaii.

The Lancers had to grind out the win as the squad's offense suffered its lowest scoring output of the season.

Grace began the game with a slight 7-3 lead thanks to four early points from Ian Raasch. The lead grew to 14-9 after a 3-pointer in transition from Michael Wellman.

But Nelson caught fire from deep in the middle to later portions of the half. The Warriors used a trio of 3-pointers down the stretch, propelling ahead of Grace.

The Lancers struggled to keep pace and had to settle for a 43-35 deficit at halftime.

Nelson shot a sizzling 55 percent from the floor and 55 percent on 3-pointers while also outrebounding Grace by three.

The Lancers stumbled to shoot just 40 percent as a team in the half, including 3 of 14 on 3-pointers (21 percent).

Gage Sefton (11 points), Ian Raasch (8 points), Wellman (8 points) and Gavin Betten (6 points) combined to score all but two of Grace's points in the half.

The second half began with the teams exchanging a 3-pointer. Nelson scored five quick points and opened up a 10-point lead with 18:30 remaining.

Grace responded with seven unanswered points. A triple from Ian Raasch sliced Nelson's lead down to three.

A minute later, a layup from Betten and an and-1 from Tyler Raasch put Grace ahead 52-50. Tyler continued to be a force in the paint for Grace, scoring a series of layups to grow Grace's advantage.

Nelson again rallied and regained a 60-59 edge, but seven straight points from Grace pushed the Lancers in front. Cannen Houser capped off the run with a 3-pointer in the corner.

Grace repeatedly found gaps in Nelson's zone as the clock wore on, scoring in the paint with strong buckets by Sefton and Hunter Walston.

The Lancers led 72-62 with 3:30 remaining, but Grace's offense went quiet down the stretch with a chance to ice the game.

Nelson continued to chip away at Grace's lead. Eventually, the Warriors had the ball with less than 10 seconds trailing by just two at 74-72.

Wellman made the defensive play of the game, standing up a drive to the hoop and blocking the shot at the rim to preserve the narrow two-point victory.

Grace shot much better as a team in the second half (59 percent), taking advantage of high-quality shots near the hoop. The Lancers made 80 percent of their 2-point shots in the second half (12 of 15).

Sefton scored a team-high 15 points to go along with five boards. Ian Raasch and Wellman each had 13 points and three boards apiece, and Betten scored 12 points on 6 of 7 shooting.

Tyler Raasch notched 9 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block on 4 of 5 shooting, and Walston posted 9 points, 4 boards and 3 assists.

The Lancers' next game is another unique experience. Grace will play in Indianapolis on New Year's Eve at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home to the Indiana Pacers and Fever. Grace will take on Michigan-Dearborn, following the conclusion of the Pacers versus Magic contest. Fans who wish to attend should purchase a Pacers/Magic ticket.