Nine Straight and 1K for Busch: Yellowjackets Keep Rolling in Heart Play

PARKVILLE, Mo. — The Graceland University Yellowjackets continued their dominant form Thursday night, securing their ninth consecutive victory with a decisive 86-66 win over Park University inside the Pirate Gym. With the result, Graceland improves to 11-2 overall and remains undefeated in Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) play at 6-0, while Park drops to 6-7 (4-2 Heart).

The win also marked a historic personal milestone, as Carson Busch surpassed the 1,000-point career mark, finishing with 24 points on an efficient 8-of-14 shooting from the field, including 8-of-13 from beyond the arc, giving him 1,007 career points in a Yellowjackets uniform.

"He got his feet set a couple of times early and saw the ball go in, and from there, if he got it off, everybody in the gym felt like it was going in," said Graceland head coach Todd Lorensen. "He's been extremely consistent over his time at Graceland. To see him score his 1,000th point on a big night in a key win makes it all the more enjoyable."

The Yellowjackets were strong from the tip, jumping out to a 44-32 halftime lead behind eight first-half threes, including four from Busch. Graceland controlled both the pace and physicality of the game, outrebounding Park 38-31, generating 15 points off 10 Park turnovers, and holding the Pirates to just 26.9% from three-point range.

"Offensively we were generating quality looks the vast majority of the game," Lorensen said. "Balance is a huge key to our offense. We have five-plus guys who can score 20 on a given night. Multiple guys in double figures tonight exemplifies how balanced and dangerous our offense can be."

Indeed, five Yellowjackets scored in double figures. Alongside Busch's 24, Cole Bowen poured in 16 points and added 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Micah Lamberth filled the stat sheet with 14 points, 8 boards, and 5 assists, while Runey Hernandez contributed 13 points and Tyson Shaw added 9 off the bench.

Graceland shot an efficient 50.0% from the floor (31-of-62) and 43.3% from three (13-of-30). The Jackets also held Park without a lead for the entire contest, with the largest margin ballooning to 22 points late in the second half.

Park was led by Otavio Armani's 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Tyler Burrows added 20. However, the Pirates' offense struggled to keep pace with Graceland's fluid, balanced attack and the constant perimeter pressure.

Coach Lorensen credited his team's poise, especially in an environment that traditionally provides challenges.

"Park is always a very challenging place to play because of the unique setup of their facility and how loud the gym gets. To go on the road and get a key conference win right as finals finished was a great way to end the fall semester for league play."

Despite the double-digit win, Lorensen noted there's room to refine the Jackets' execution on the defensive end.

"I thought on defense we had too many simple mistakes that we can easily eliminate or drastically reduce. Doing so will be key to our sustained success the remainder of the season."

Graceland led from the opening possession, starting with a Busch three-pointer off a Cole Bowen assist. Busch scored 18 of his 24 in the first half alone, pacing the Jackets to an early double-digit advantage. The lead never dipped below eight in the second half.

The Jackets' ball movement and offensive spacing stood out. Graceland totaled 19 assists on 31 made field goals, while committing just seven turnovers. Every key contributor had an assist, highlighting the unselfishness of the offense.

With the fall semester conference schedule now wrapped, the Yellowjackets will shift their focus to non-conference play.

"Now we get to test ourselves on the road again against an ARC opponent. Getting a win heading into Christmas would make our break well-earned and enjoyable," said Lorensen.

NEXT UP:
Graceland travels to Sioux City, Iowa on Monday, Dec. 15 for a 3:00 p.m. tip at Briar Cliff University inside the Newman Flanagan Center. It's the final game before the holiday break and an opportunity to close the semester on a 10-game winning streak.

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