Last-second triple spoils Grace’s upset bid
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Grace’s men’s basketball team was on the verge of an upset at No. 21 Rochester on Friday.
But with Grace ahead 70-67, Rochester hit a last-second 3-pointer to send the game the overtime. The Warriors (3-4) went on to claim an 82-80 overtime victory.
The Lancers (3-2) ended the first half on a furious run and seemed on their way to an upset. Rochester was held scoreless for the final 6:26 of the half, allowing Grace to go on a 13-0 run.
Erik Bowen scored six points during Grace’s 13-0 run, and Logan Godfrey added five more to put Grace convincingly ahead 39-24 at halftime.
But after holding Rochester to 35 percent shooting before halftime, the Warriors’ shots began to fall in the second half.
Rochester slowly chipped away at Grace’s cushion; a 3-pointer from the Warriors capped off a 26-10 run and gave Rochester a 56-54 lead with 7:55 remaining.
Bowen responded with a jumper to tie the game, and the Lancers eventually regained the lead.
Grace led 66-61 after Braxton Linville hit three free throws with 3:16 on the clock.
The Lancers were plagued by turnovers down the stretch, giving Rochester a chance to rally. The Warriors made good on that chance, quickly trimming Grace’s lead down to one with a minute to play.
Matt Jennings kept Grace in front by going 4-of-4 from the foul line in the last minute, but the Warriors had the ball last and a chance to tie. The Warriors connected on a 3-pointer in the last second from well beyond the 3-point line to force overtime.
Rochester proceeded to put up 12 points in the overtime session, outpacing Grace to win by two.
Bowen had 18 points and nine rebounds to lead Grace, and Godfrey finished with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting.
Jennings was 7-of-7 on free throws for 14 points, and Haden Deaton tallied 13 points, 7 boards and 5 assists.
Jaret Sons scored seven points off the bench, and Braxton Linville pitched in 6 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.
The Lancers end their Michigan trip at Madonna on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
###
