SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Grace's men's basketball demonstrated a short memory with a convincing 95-73 win over Briar Cliff on Saturday.
The No. 1 Lancers (2-1) bounced back after suffering their first defeat of the season the night before.
After struggling with their shooting touch on Friday, the Lancers defaulted back to their typical offensive prowess. Grace shot 57 percent from the floor as a team, including 52 percent (12 of 23) on 3-pointers.
Grace came out roaring to begin the game. The Lancers made their first five field goals, including five points from Michael Wellman. Grace quickly led 11-3 before three minutes had expired.
A few minutes later, a barrage of 3-pointers gave Grace its first double-digit lead.
Midway into the half, the Lancers ripped off seven unanswered points. Grady Carpenter had five points during the spurt, pushing Grace into a 36-16 cushion.
The first half ended fittingly on another Lancers charge. Over the final two minutes, Grace scored eight points in a row. All four field goals were scored in the paint, including a pair from Tyler Raasch.
Grace stormed into halftime after doubling up the Chargers on the scoreboard, 52-26. The Lancers shot 72 percent as a team in the first half (21-29); they made seven 3-pointers on 11 tries (64 percent).
A few minutes into the second half, Grace used another 7-0 spurt to continue momentum. The run was ended on a triple from Tyler Raasch.
Grace's advantage hovered around 20 for the rest of regulation, resulting in the Lancers' final 22-point margin of victory.
The Lancers were able to utilize the depth of their roster in the win. Ten players saw at least 14 minutes of action, and all 16 players reached the court. Fourteen of Grace's 16 players attempted a shot.
Grace enjoyed a dominant 41-17 advantage in rebounding. The Chargers shot 46 percent from the floor and 40 percent on 3s.
Ian Raasch led Grace in scoring (16 points) and rebounds (7). Hunter Walston had 10 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds in 19 minutes.
Wellman and Carpenter finished with 10 points apiece; each sophomore hit a pair of 3s as well.
Isaac Schultz finished with 9 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, Tyler Raasch had 9 points, 6 boards, and 1 block, and Gage Sefton scored nine.
Luke Bricker (7 points, 6 rebounds) and Gavin Betten (7 points, 3 boards) were steady contributors off the bench. Cole Hayworth scored four, Caleb Herrold scored two, and Ethan Hendrix grabbed two boards.
The Lancers return home on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. clash with Cornerstone.
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