Graceland Men’s Basketball Falls in Tight Contest to Avila, 83-80
LAMONI, Iowa – In a tightly contested non-conference matchup featuring 11 ties and nine lead changes, the Graceland University Yellowjackets were edged 83-80 by the Avila University Eagles on Friday night at the Morden Center.
With the result, Graceland moves to 2-2 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference), while Avila remains unbeaten at 4-0 overall (0-0 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference).
Graceland led 72-67 with under five minutes remaining before a critical Avila run flipped momentum. The Eagles strung together a 6-0 burst, overtaking the Yellowjackets at 73-72. Despite multiple chances down the stretch, Graceland was unable to regain the lead.
"It was a really good game that saw 11 ties and nine lead changes. Unfortunately, the last one wasn't in our favor," said Head Coach Todd Lorenson.
"Statistically, we have a lot to build off with +6 on the offensive glass and +5 turnover margin," he continued. "We had some crucial mistakes in transition defense down the stretch that took our 72-67 lead into a 73-72 deficit. It's going to be a quick turnaround but we have to clean a few things up and be better tomorrow."
Runey Hernandez paced the Yellowjackets with 25 points and 10 rebounds, earning a double-double while converting 11-of-16 free throws. Carson Busch added 22 points, going 7-of-7 from the line and hitting three triples to keep Graceland in striking distance throughout.
Graceland saw balanced contributions across the roster, with Cole Bowen dishing out five assists, and Micah Lamberth pulling down six rebounds. The Yellowjackets also received key minutes off the bench from Kaamil Domingo and Aaron James Jr., who combined for 14 points and helped stabilize the rotation in both halves.
The game opened with strong defensive intensity from Graceland, as the Yellowjackets forced multiple early turnovers and built a lead midway through the first half. Hernandez's interior scoring and rebounding gave Graceland a reliable presence in the paint, and Busch's perimeter shooting helped stretch the Avila defense.
Despite trailing by as many as eight in the first half, the Yellowjackets closed the gap and entered halftime down just three, 42-39. The second half remained tight, with neither team able to build a lead larger than five.
With just over four minutes left, Graceland appeared in control after Hernandez converted a pair of free throws to put the Yellowjackets up 72-67. But Avila responded immediately with back-to-back baskets by Xavier Kahube, who finished with 17 points and was pivotal in the late swing.
Avila's bench proved the difference in the final moments, as Reggie Morris and James Ross III each hit key shots and free throws to seal the win. Graceland missed three potential game-tying or go-ahead attempts in the final 90 seconds and could not capitalize on final possessions.
Despite the loss, Graceland held statistical advantages in offensive rebounds, turnover margin, and second-chance points, offering encouraging signs for the team moving forward.
Graceland will look to bounce back quickly as it returns to action tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 8, against McPherson College in the Heart/KCAC Challenge. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. CST at the Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.