Graceland Downs Rival Peru State, Remains Undefeated in Heart Action
LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University men's basketball team extended its win streak to four games and remained undefeated in Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) play with a 74–57 victory over Peru State College Wednesday night inside the Morden Center. The Yellowjackets (6–2, 2–0 Heart) maintained their early-season momentum by continuing a dominant stretch in conference play, having now won their opening two Heart contests by an average margin of 31.5 points per game.
The win also marked Graceland's fifth consecutive victory over Peru State (4–5, 0–2 Heart) in a rivalry that has steadily intensified over the last several seasons. Notably, the Jackets knocked off the Bobcats three times last season—including a pivotal win in the Heart tournament semifinal round en route to a national tournament appearance. Graceland also defeated Peru State in the 2018 Heart tournament final during the program's storied NAIA national title campaign.
Head coach Todd Lorensen praised his team's defensive performance and execution down the stretch, noting the effort that helped seal the outcome.
"We had another really good defensive performance this evening," Lorensen said. "I thought in the first half, outside of two or three possessions, everything they got was earned and not easy. On the offensive end, we had some possessions where the ball didn't move as much as we would like, but we cleaned that up the majority of the second half."
Graceland led 37–32 at the half, then matched that output with another 37 points in the second half while holding the Bobcats to just 25. The Jackets forced 11 turnovers and scored 13 points off Peru State giveaways, while controlling the interior with a 42–28 advantage in points in the paint. Graceland also cleaned the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive rebounds and converting those into 21 second-chance points.
Reigning Heart Player of the Year Cole Bowen delivered another standout performance, building on his return to form after missing time due to illness. Bowen scored a game-high 27 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including an 11-for-13 clip at the free-throw line. He also pulled down nine rebounds and handed out six assists while logging 37 minutes.
The senior was especially impactful in the second half, where he scored 19 of his 27 points and repeatedly attacked mismatches in the half-court, showing poise and physicality in the lane.
"He was dynamic in the second half," Lorensen said of Bowen. "He was getting to great spots, playing on balance, and finishing consistently. The scary part is we feel he's got another step to be even better—and we think that will happen sooner rather than later."
Bowen's assertiveness helped neutralize any momentum the Bobcats tried to muster, particularly after Peru State trimmed the lead to five early in the second half. He responded with a run of scoring sequences that rebuilt the margin to double digits, effectively putting the game out of reach.
The Yellowjackets again received a critical boost from guard Tyson Shaw, who contributed 19 points on 9-of-18 shooting in 25 minutes off the bench. Shaw ignited runs with transition finishes and aggressive drives, bringing energy and scoring from the moment he entered the game.
Lorensen credited Shaw's consistency and the depth of the roster that allows such production from its reserves. "The immediate energy and scoring he provided off the bench definitely gave us a lift," Lorensen said. "He's had multiple games in a row where he's performed this way, so we are confident this can become a normal night for him."
Shaw's effectiveness was not limited to his scoring. His play also opened up opportunities for others, spacing the floor and pushing tempo when the game slowed. With Shaw and Bowen both thriving, Graceland's offense became multi-dimensional in the second half.
Beyond the standout efforts of Bowen and Shaw, the Jackets saw contributions across the roster. Deundra Roberson added 17 points, including 4-of-8 from three-point range, and chipped in six rebounds and two steals. Carson Busch knocked down a pair of triples and collected three boards. Meanwhile, Micah Lamberth was second on the team in rebounding with seven, including two offensive boards that led to second-chance buckets.
Graceland shot 41.5% from the field and went 14-of-21 at the free throw line, while holding Peru State to 40.7% shooting overall and just 8-of-20 from beyond the arc. The Jackets also committed only two turnovers, a season-best mark, which helped them control tempo and maximize offensive efficiency.
"It would've been nice to finish the first half a little bit cleaner—we definitely felt like we left a few points on the board and maybe gave them one or two of those easier ones," Lorensen said. "That being said, we felt very good about where we were at halftime, and a few minor adjustments on both ends of the court allowed us to have a successful second half, which came to fruition."
The win extends Graceland's current streak over Peru State to five straight games, a run that dates back to the 2022–23 season. The Jackets defeated the Bobcats in all three meetings last year, including in postseason play, and have largely controlled the series since 2018.
Wednesday's win not only solidified Graceland's early grip on the Heart standings, but also served as a reaffirmation of the program's trajectory. Picked to win the league in the preseason coaches' poll, Graceland is proving early that its blend of experience, depth, and star power is more than just paper hype.
Graceland will look to carry its momentum into its next matchup on Saturday, Nov. 22, when the Yellowjackets host Haskell Indian Nations University at the Morden Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. CST in Lamoni.
For more information on Graceland men's basketball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.