Men's Hoops Drop Road Matchup to C of O

Point Lookout, MO - The Graceland men's basketball team traveled to scenic Point Lookout, but could not overcome College of the Ozarks, falling 76-65.

The Jackets started out strong, sending the Bobcats into the lockers at half down 38-31. Graceland's momentum did not carry into the second half, however.

The turnover bug bit the GU offense, and the Jackets struggled to defend the fast break in the second half. Without a sense of rhythm on offense, the GU men could not regain their bearings. The stroke from three point range and at the free throw line that Graceland had carefully built in the first was lost, and the Jackets were left unable to respond to an effective and relentless transition attack by College of the Ozarks.

The Bobcats had the advantage in the paint in what turned out to be an exceptionally physical game. The home team's excellence in rebounding further added to Graceland's woes, as the Bobcats out-rebounded the visitors by a 36-28 clip.

Austin Harper led the Jackets offensively with 14 points, going 3 of 4 from behind the arc in the effort. Alex Roth tallied 13 points, including 5 of 7 free throws, and led the GU rebounding effort with 8 boards. Jamal Lawson added 10 points, primarily from a sterling 7 for 11 performance at the line.

"We are a young team," said Coach Jeffrey Hamilton. "[College of the Ozarks] is a tough place to play, and we kept fighting throughout. There is a lot to take from this game, and some positive things that say that we have room to grow as a unit."

Graceland even up at 1-1 on the young season. The Yellowjackets travel to Des Moines, IA on Tuesday, November 6th to face Grand View University in a 7:30pm game.

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