Graceland Rolls Past Missouri Valley, 81–35, in Heart Opener

LAMONI, Iowa — Graceland University men's basketball delivered a commanding performance Saturday afternoon, defeating Missouri Valley College 81–35 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference opener at the Morden Center. With the win, the Yellowjackets improved to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while Missouri Valley fell to 3-3 overall and 0-1 in Heart action.

Graceland's defense was the foundation, limiting the Vikings to 25.9 percent shooting from the field and just 14.3 percent from beyond the arc. The Yellowjackets forced 16 turnovers and held Missouri Valley to 14 second-half points.

"It was great to see us be so consistently solid in our half-court defense," head coach Todd Lorenson said. "We stayed disciplined through long possessions that usually lead into a tough shot late in the shot clock, and then we rebounded the ball at a very high level."

Graceland controlled the glass with a 41–29 rebounding advantage, including 32 defensive boards. The Yellowjackets also registered 18 assists on 28 made field goals and finished with only eight turnovers.

Runey Hernandez led all scorers with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-6 from three-point range. He added nine rebounds and a block in 24 minutes.

"Anybody that's been around our team this year and last year knows how good of a shooter Runey is," Lorenson said. "That hasn't reflected to this point in the box score, but anytime his feet are set we feel good about that for our offense. He also had great balance and finished through contact at the rim."

Cole Bowen made a significant impact in his return to the lineup, finishing with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and a block. He was a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line and contributed across all phases.

"Of course it was great to have Cole back," Lorenson added. "He brings so much to the table with his ability to score and defend multiple positions, and then he's one of the better passers in the league. He's really battled a virus but is finally bouncing back."

Graceland took control early, building a 41–21 halftime lead behind efficient offense and tenacious defense. Hernandez and Bowen combined for 25 first-half points. Carson Busch directed the offense with five assists, while Micah Lamberth pulled down seven boards, helping anchor a disciplined defensive front.

Deundra Roberson added seven points and three steals, contributing on both ends of the floor. Tyson Shaw and Max Black provided valuable bench minutes, combining for 13 points and four rebounds.

In the second half, Graceland extended its lead with a 40–14 advantage, closing the game on a 20–5 run. The Yellowjackets shot 66.7 percent from three in the second half and 76.9 percent from the free-throw line.

"Just looking at scores across the nation, there's a lot of head-scratchers," Lorenson said. "So it really comes down to the teams that can consistently bring it night in and night out, regardless of their opponent or where they're playing."

Missouri Valley did not have a player score in double figures. Antwon Ferrell and Darrin Thompson each had seven points. The Vikings shot 3-of-6 from the free-throw line and committed 16 turnovers.

Graceland will return to action on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. CST, hosting Peru State at the Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.

For more information on Graceland men's basketball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.