Lamoni, IA - The Graceland men's basketball team has hit its stride in the second half of the season, rebounding from a slow start in conference.

Facing HAAC newcomer Peru State College on Thursday night inside the Closson Center, the uptempo Jackets out ran the Bobcats in an 88-71 win.  Graceland won its third straight - despite committing 25 turnovers but shot 54% from the field and 78 % from the charity stripe. 

Head Coach Jeffrey Hamilton was pleased with his teams effort after the game.  "That's a good win for us - any conference win is a good win," remarked Hamilton.  "Peru State is a better team than their record.  They've got some good players on their squad," he added.

The Jackets had four players in double figures in the win.  Senior guard Brad Burgus and sophomore forward Jamal Lawson both had 18 to pace the Jacket attack. Forwards Alex Roth and Garrett Grundman each added 15.

Hamilton and his staff have preached effort and defense to the team after its slow start to begin the conference season, and it's been a major factor in the Jackets recent success.

"I'm extremely proud of how hard the guys worked tonight," added Hamilton about the game.  "The guys have made a commitment in the second half of the season to be better and we have been. 

"If I was to pick on one part of our game that must improve it's our turnovers," he continued.  We can't have 25 turnovers (several of them unforced) and expect to beat the top teams in this conference. 

The Jackets next go for their first four game win streak since the 2002-2003 season.  Hamilton knows with a road game on Monday at Missouri Valley College, it won't be an easy task. 

"We'll start preparing right away for a good Viking team," said Hamilton.  "Every game in this conference is tough, especially on the road," he finished. 

The Jackets now stand at 12-7 overall and 4-4 in HAAC play.  They'll be on the road Monday at Missouri Valley College for a 7:30pm conference matchup with the Vikings.

Stay tuned to GUjackets.com for continuing coverage of the Graceland men's basketball team and all of Jacket athletics.