Jackets Behind Big Game From Shaw Overcome Halftime Deficit to Top Waldorf
FOREST CITY, Iowa — The Graceland University Yellowjackets men's basketball team erased a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat Waldorf University, 79–68, on Tuesday night at the Hanson Fieldhouse. The win lifts Graceland to 4-2 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference) ahead of Saturday's conference opener. Waldorf drops to 3-4 overall (0-0 North Star Athletic Association).
The Yellowjackets were outscored 42–33 in the first half and struggled from the field, shooting 33.3% overall and just 8.3% from three. But the second half told a different story. Graceland converted 56.3% of its field goal attempts after the break and outscored Waldorf 46–26 to secure the road win.
Tyson Shaw came off the bench to lead all scorers with 20 points, going 7-of-15 from the field and adding 6-of-12 from the line, while collecting four rebounds and one assist in 24 minutes. Runey Hernandez was nearly perfect, finishing with 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting, adding four rebounds and a block. Carson Busch added 11 points, including a second-half three-pointer that helped fuel the comeback.
"We would love to say we made a significant adjustment at halftime," said head coach Todd Lorenson, "but the reality is we challenged our guys to do what they're best at, at a much higher level. Fortunately, they did do that for some good stretches and then Tyson Shaw really stepped up with a huge game. With conference play starting on Saturday we can no longer afford to have so many lapses in judgment and play during the first half. We need to get ourselves rested and healthy and ready for hard play on Saturday."
Graceland dominated the interior, outscoring Waldorf 48–20 in points in the paint, and held a 38–31 edge on the glass, including 14 offensive rebounds that led to 16 second-chance points. The Yellowjackets also forced 14 turnovers, converting them into 16 points.
The first half featured 11 lead changes and eight ties, with Waldorf closing on a 13–4 run to take control at intermission. Waldorf shot 52.0% in the first half, led by Nick Graves, who tallied 17 points and was 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. However, Graceland tightened its defense after halftime, holding Waldorf to 25.8% shooting from the field and 26.7% from three.
Graceland's bench provided a critical lift, accounting for 37 points, compared to Waldorf's 14. In addition to Shaw, Max Black knocked down two second-half triples, finishing with seven points and four rebounds. Kaamil Domingo added four points and two boards in 20 minutes of reserve action.
Micah Lamberth added efficient frontcourt minutes with eight points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Deundra Roberson had a solid all-around game finishing with seven points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Waldorf's backcourt was paced by Cohen Aldridge (13 points) and McNeal Thompson IV, who connected on 4-of-5 threes en route to 12 points off the bench. However, Waldorf could not overcome their second-half shooting woes or Graceland's inside pressure.
Despite committing 21 personal fouls and shooting just 61.3% from the line, the Yellowjackets' second-half execution proved decisive. The team converted 18-of-32 field goals, including 3-of-6 from deep, in the final 20 minutes.
Next up, the Yellowjackets return home to Lamoni for their Heart of America Athletic Conference opener against Missouri Valley College. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. CST on Saturday, November 15, at the Morden Center.
For more information on Graceland men's basketball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.