Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Only one word can describe the Lancers' victory in the championship game of the Optimist Tip-Off tournament Saturday - impressive.
Grace won its own tournament for the first time in three years with a 123-79 win over Purdue-North Central.
Grace was only 7 points away from tying the school record for points in a game at 130.
It started quickly for Grace in the first half. After the Centaurs tied the game at two, the Lancers scored 19 straight points, led by eight points from Andy Schmidt and six from Bert McLaughlin. With eight minutes left on the clock in the first half, all 13 members of the team had already seen action. Grace led 45-19 when the starters returned to the game with two minutes left and reeled off 12 straight points to lead 57-19 at the break.
Grace shot 59 percent from the floor in the first half and had 12 steals. The Lancers committed only two turnovers in the first half despite averaging over 18 a game this season.
The second half was full of experiments for the Lancers as they ran a zone defense for almost the entire 20 minutes. Grace, 5-0 on the season, was led by McLaughlin's 24 points. Transfer Chris Frisbie added 18, 14 in the second half. McLaughlin was named the tournament MVP with 49 points in two games. Darren Gagnon, 26 points and 16 rebounds, and Andy Schmidt, 22 points and 8 assists, were named to the all-tournament team. Point guard James Joiner was given the mental attitude award.
Grace will host Purdue-North Central in the rematch Tuesday at 7 p.m.
