WINONA LAKE – Grace College’s men’s basketball team was fully in control from the tip-off in its 2012 season opener as the Lancers cruised to an 82-41 victory over Northland International Saturday at the Orthopaedic Capital Center. The Lancers (1-0), who are ranked No. 8 in the NAIA Division II national poll, put on a defensive clinic in the first half against the Pioneers (1-1). Grace kicked off its season with a 29-3 run to start Saturday’s game. The Lancers’ defense proved nearly impenetrable as Northland International had just five points to its credit with two minutes remaining in the first half. The Lancers forced 14 turnovers and held the Pioneers to 4-of-28 shooting from the field (14 percent) in the first half. On the other end of the court, Grace hit 16 of 32 of field goal attempts (50 percent). The Lancers recorded an assist on 14 of their 16 made field goals. Grace led 40-11 at the break and eventually led by more than 40 points. The Lancers substituted frequently in the second half as 18 players saw time for Grace, and 11 Lancers scored. Greg Miller led all players with a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds. He made 7 of 11 attempts from the field, including a trio of 3-pointers. Freshman Kyle Fillman was a perfect 7 of 7 from the field in his first collegiate game. He scored 14 points in 16 minutes of action off the bench. Bruce Grimm dished out a game-high seven assists to go along with five points and two steals, and Elliot Smith scored eight points. Jared Treadway tallied seven points and four boards, and Brandon Vanderhegghen and Jacob Goodman each drilled a pair of 3-pointers off the bench. Overall, Grace outrebounded Northland International by 22. The Lancers will be in action again Saturday for an away game at St. Catharine (Ky.). Grace returns to the Orthopaedic Capital Center Nov. 16 & 17 when it hosts the KCCCF Optimist Classic. Huntington will play Robert Morris at 4 p.m. on Nov. 16, while the Lancers will play Missouri Baptist at 8 p.m. On Nov. 17, Huntington and Missouri Baptist will play at noon, with Grace and Robert Morris squaring off at 4 p.m. Grace’s women’s team will also be part of the tournament.
