SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The ninth-ranked Grace College men’s basketball team erupted offensively in the second half to pick up a 71-60 win at Crossroads League opponent Spring Arbor Wednesday night. The Lancers scored 42 points on 50 percent shooting after halftime to earn the 11-point win and improve to 11-4 overall and 3-1 in league play. Each team’s offense struggled to function at a high level in the first half, as Grace took a 29-26 advantage into the break. The Cougars (10-6; 0-4 CL) earned their only lead of the contest with 7:44 to play in the first half. But back-to-back buckets from Bruce Grimm Jr. handed the Lancers the lead for good less than three minutes later. After hitting just 13 of 33 from the field in the first half, including 2 of 12 from the arc, Grace found its shooting touch after the break. Greg Miller and Elliot Smith, in particular, proved their marksmanship with improved shooting in the second half. Miller, who had seven points on nine shots in the first half, bounced back with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting in the second half. He finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Smith, after struggling to a 1-of-5 performance in the first half, scored 11 of his 13 points after halftime. He made 3 of 4 from the field, including his only three-point attempt, in the second half. The Lancers built their cushion to as many as 12 points midway into the second half. The Cougars refused to fade, however, and pulled to within seven. But each time Spring Arbor looked dangerous enough to pull off the upset, Grace provided a response on offense to hold on for the double-digit victory. Grimm was the most consistent offensive presence Grace had on Wednesday. He led all players with 25 points to go along with five assists, five steals and four rebounds. Jared Treadway, earning his fifth start of the season, produced five points and five rebounds. Grace won the rebounding battle by five over Spring Arbor. The Lancers also held the Cougars to 2 of 11 from beyond the arc. Grace will try and continue its winning ways Saturday when the Lancers host Goshen at 3 p.m.
