INDIANAPOLIS - In a late-evening game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Grace’s men’s basketball team impressed with an 88-55 victory over Alice Lloyd on Saturday.
The NAIA No. 1-ranked Lancers (13-0) were in cruise control for much of the contest, which tipped off after the NBA’s Pacers versus Knicks contest. Grace’s game began after 10:30 p.m. and ended after midnight.
Despite the late start, Grace began the game at a furious pace by making its first five field goals. After back-to-back scores from Jake Wadding, the Lancers had grabbed an 11-2 lead.
The Eagles made a push at that point, pulling to within three at 13-10. But Grace was about to seize control for good.
The Lancers rattled off a 13-1 charge over a three-minute span. Wadding scored two more quick hoops, and Brett Sickafoose drilled a triple as Grace led 26-11.
Grace never lost its double-digit cushion for the remainder of the contest.
Elijah Malone had the highlight play of the game, showing hustle to steal a loose ball. He then dribbled the rest of the way, scoring a layup while getting fouled, which pushed Grace’s lead to 20 for the first time.
By halftime, Grace was in front 49-27. Wadding was perfect from the floor, shooting 7 of 7 for 16 points to go along with five rebounds and two assists.
The Lancers shot 60 percent from the floor and outrebounded ALC by 12 (29 to 17). The Eagles were held to 27 percent shooting.
Grace effectively locked up the victory with a stellar start to the second half. The Eagles had no answer to Grace’s flurry as the Lancers charged out of halftime on a 20-1 run.
Alice Lloyd did not make a field goal for over six minutes of the half. Malone was responsible for 11 of Grace’s points during that quick run, including a 3-pointer and a dunk.
The Lancers began subbing out their starters shortly after Grace’s fast start, allowing the team to flex its bench for the second half.
Grace’s lead stayed over 30 points for the rest of regulation as all 15 players saw time on the high-profile hardwood.
The Lancers finished the outing with a 51-percent performance in field goals while holding Alice Lloyd to 28 percent. Grace assisted on 30 of its 38 made field goals, led by seven assists apiece from Brycen Graber and Carter Stoltzfus.
Wadding finished with 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal, and Malone had 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
Cade Gibbs stuffed the stat sheet with 9 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals, and Ian Scott had 8 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.
Brett Sickafoose scored eight points off the bench, and Ian Raasch (seven points) and Marcus Davidson (six points) also piled up points off the bench.
The Lancers are home on Wednesday for the resumption of the Crossroads League season. Grace hosts Taylor for a doubleheader with the women’s team. The women will tip off at 5:30 p.m. with the men to follow at 7:30 p.m.

Grace To Welcome WCS Employees For Free To Wednesday's Games
WINONA LAKE - Grace's athletic department is pleased to welcome the teachers and staff of Warsaw Community Schools to Wednesday's doubleheader at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.
All WCS employees and immediate family members are invited for free to attend Grace's doubleheader against Taylor on Wednesday. The women's game will start at 5:30 p.m. with the men to tip off at 7:30 p.m.