Slow start downs Lancers
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Grace’s men’s basketball team could not slow down No. 13 Marian on Saturday in a 101-78 defeat.
The Lancers (11-9, 1-7 Crossroads League) fell behind early at Marian and never found their way back into the game.
The Knights (16-4, 5-3 CL) shot 55 percent in victory compared to 46 percent for Grace, and Marian also outrebounded Grace by 14.
Haden Deaton was stellar offensively in defeat. He shot 8-of-12 overall, 4-of-5 from the 3-point line and 7-of-8 from the foul line for 27 points.
Although the game started close for the opening eight minutes, Marian began to find separation midway into the first half.
Grace came up empty on offense for six straight possessions, and the Knights took advantage to claim a 23-13 lead after 10 minutes.
Late in the half, Grace suffered another scoring drought. This time Marian went on an 11-0 run to open up an 18-point lead.
The Lancers went into halftime behind 46-30, in part due to 10 turnovers over the first 20 minutes.
In the second half, Grace was never able to mount a dangerous comeback. The Lancers faced a 20-point deficit for much of the half.
Over the final minutes of regulation, Grace produced a 13-4 run thanks to Deaton. Deaton drilled a trio of 3-pointers along with a layup. The last of his triples cut Marian’s cushion down to 16 with three minutes to play.
But Grace gave up baskets on the next four plays to end any potential rally.
Deaton’s game-high 27 points came with three rebounds and two blocked shots. Only five players altogether scored for Grace.
Jaret Sons scored a season-high 19 points with four 3-pointers. Sons added 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists in a well-rounded performance.
Charlie Warner produced 14 points, and Logan Godfrey and Eddie Gill IV each had nine points.
The Lancers have a pair of home games next week, starting with a matchup with No. 3 Indiana Wesleyan on Tuesday at 7 p.m. IWU squeaked out a 92-86 win in overtime during their first meeting this year.
