Grace sputters at No. 16 Knights
January 26, 2022 at 3:47 a.m.
Grace sputters at No. 16 Knights
By Josh Neuhart-
The No. 9 Lancers (18-5, 7-4 Crossroads League) shot under 30 percent on 3-pointers and committed 13 more turnovers than the Knights (15-4, 7-4 CL).
The first half was a back-and-forth battle. Neither team gained a sizable lead thanks to strong defensive efforts.
Grace found most of its production in the paint, using its size and strength to a positive effect.
With 9:41 remaining in the half, Jakob Gibbs sank two free throws to put Grace ahead 24-21.
But Grace’s attack went cold over the next several minutes to give Marian momentum. The Lancers did not score again for nearly seven minutes, allowing the Knights to grab an eight-point edge.
Grace sparked to life to end the half, using a 7-0 spurt to pull within two at halftime at 39-37.
Grace scored 22 of its 37 points in the paint. The Lancers (45 percent) and Knights (43 percent) shot similarly from the floor, but Grace was a woeful 3 of 14 from downtown.
The Knights also committed just three turnovers before halftime. Jakob Gibbs scored a team-high 10 points in the half.
Grace quickly rallied to tie the score with layups from Jake Wadding and Eddie Gill IV to begin the second half.
But the Knights responded with a 4-point play after being fouled on a 3-pointer to regain the lead. Marian hit another triple followed by a dunk on the next two plays to pull ahead by nine, forcing a timeout by Grace.
Things went from bad to worse quickly, however. The Lancers became sloppy on offense, giving up possession with miscues repeatedly over the next portion of the half.
Grace had nine turnovers during a seven-minute section of the half, including a string of four consecutive turnovers.
The Knights had little trouble scoring; Marian immediately ballooning its cushion to 20 points by the midway mark of the second half.
Grace did its best to battle back, but Marian’s efficient offense proved difficult to rally against. The Lancers trailed by double digits for the rest of regulation, resulting in the final 15-point margin of defeat.
Jakob Gibbs was a lone bright spot for Grace’s offense. He scored 13 more points after halftime — the only player for Grace to score more than four points over the final 20 minutes. He finished with 23 points on 5 of 9 shooting on 3-pointers.
Wadding added 10 points and five rebounds, and Elijah Malone had nine points and seven boards.
Frankie Davidson scored eight points with seven rebounds, Cade Gibbs grabbed seven boards, and Ian Scott tallied 7 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.
The Lancers turned the ball over 14 times in the second half and 20 times overall; Marian lost the ball seven times.
The Knights shot 48 percent on field goals and 50 percent from beyond the arc. Grace shot 45 percent overall and 29 percent on 3-pointers.
The Lancers return home on Saturday for a 3 p.m. meeting with archrival Bethel. The doubleheader also includes the women’s Grace/Bethel matchup at 1 p.m.
Saturday will also be Katip Day to honor longtime Grace College President Dr. Bill Katip and his wife Debbie. A special ceremony for the Katips will be held during halftime of the men’s game.
The No. 9 Lancers (18-5, 7-4 Crossroads League) shot under 30 percent on 3-pointers and committed 13 more turnovers than the Knights (15-4, 7-4 CL).
The first half was a back-and-forth battle. Neither team gained a sizable lead thanks to strong defensive efforts.
Grace found most of its production in the paint, using its size and strength to a positive effect.
With 9:41 remaining in the half, Jakob Gibbs sank two free throws to put Grace ahead 24-21.
But Grace’s attack went cold over the next several minutes to give Marian momentum. The Lancers did not score again for nearly seven minutes, allowing the Knights to grab an eight-point edge.
Grace sparked to life to end the half, using a 7-0 spurt to pull within two at halftime at 39-37.
Grace scored 22 of its 37 points in the paint. The Lancers (45 percent) and Knights (43 percent) shot similarly from the floor, but Grace was a woeful 3 of 14 from downtown.
The Knights also committed just three turnovers before halftime. Jakob Gibbs scored a team-high 10 points in the half.
Grace quickly rallied to tie the score with layups from Jake Wadding and Eddie Gill IV to begin the second half.
But the Knights responded with a 4-point play after being fouled on a 3-pointer to regain the lead. Marian hit another triple followed by a dunk on the next two plays to pull ahead by nine, forcing a timeout by Grace.
Things went from bad to worse quickly, however. The Lancers became sloppy on offense, giving up possession with miscues repeatedly over the next portion of the half.
Grace had nine turnovers during a seven-minute section of the half, including a string of four consecutive turnovers.
The Knights had little trouble scoring; Marian immediately ballooning its cushion to 20 points by the midway mark of the second half.
Grace did its best to battle back, but Marian’s efficient offense proved difficult to rally against. The Lancers trailed by double digits for the rest of regulation, resulting in the final 15-point margin of defeat.
Jakob Gibbs was a lone bright spot for Grace’s offense. He scored 13 more points after halftime — the only player for Grace to score more than four points over the final 20 minutes. He finished with 23 points on 5 of 9 shooting on 3-pointers.
Wadding added 10 points and five rebounds, and Elijah Malone had nine points and seven boards.
Frankie Davidson scored eight points with seven rebounds, Cade Gibbs grabbed seven boards, and Ian Scott tallied 7 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.
The Lancers turned the ball over 14 times in the second half and 20 times overall; Marian lost the ball seven times.
The Knights shot 48 percent on field goals and 50 percent from beyond the arc. Grace shot 45 percent overall and 29 percent on 3-pointers.
The Lancers return home on Saturday for a 3 p.m. meeting with archrival Bethel. The doubleheader also includes the women’s Grace/Bethel matchup at 1 p.m.
Saturday will also be Katip Day to honor longtime Grace College President Dr. Bill Katip and his wife Debbie. A special ceremony for the Katips will be held during halftime of the men’s game.
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