Graceland Secures Impressive Win Over Mount Marty, Extends Undefeated Streak

LAMONI, Iowa – The Graceland University Yellowjackets continued their dominant start to the 2024-2025 NAIA men's basketball season with a decisive 79-57 victory over Mount Marty University on Friday evening at the Morden Center. With this victory, Graceland improved to 5-0, maintaining their unblemished record and showcasing significant depth and defensive prowess.

The matchup opened with a tightly contested first half. Graceland managed to pull ahead 35-27 by halftime, led by Siddiq Canty's dynamic scoring and Cole Bowen's presence on the boards. Canty, a standout performer, registered 24 points, including four three-pointers, and contributed five steals, setting the tone defensively and creating transition opportunities.

Graceland's defensive adjustments in the second half proved critical. Head Coach Todd Lorenson commended the team's performance: "This was our most complete performance of the season. Our guys did a great job of making in-game adjustments on the defensive end that I felt was the difference from the first half to the second half. We can now turn our attention to Heart play next week."

First Half Recap

The Yellowjackets started strong with Canty netting an early layup to open the scoring. Mount Marty kept the pace close, with Tash Lunday and Brandon Garcia combining for 23 of their team's 27 first-half points. Graceland leveraged a balanced attack, with Bowen grabbing crucial rebounds and Carter Brown drilling three key shots from beyond the arc.

Canty's agility and confidence shone throughout the half, as he recorded 16 of his game-high points before halftime, including a layup and a three-pointer that energized the home crowd. Defensively, Graceland forced Mount Marty into 14 first-half turnovers, converting many of those into fast-break opportunities.

Second Half Surge

The second half witnessed a more aggressive Graceland defense that stifled Mount Marty's scoring opportunities and led to several key momentum shifts. The Yellowjackets capitalized on this, extending their lead to as much as 24 points midway through the period. Contributions from Bowen, who finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, emphasized Graceland's interior strength, while the team's depth became apparent through critical minutes played by Carson Busch and Micah Lamberth.

Cole Bowen, reflecting on the win, shared, "I had a lot of emotions going into the game tonight after transferring from Mount Marty last year. I was really proud of our team effort tonight. We have a ton of talent on this team and can accomplish great things if we play together. Thank you to our crowd for coming out to support us tonight. It is going to be a great season."

Offensively, the Yellowjackets shot an efficient 50.8% from the field, a marked improvement from Mount Marty's 44.7%. Graceland also recorded 11 three-pointers, with Canty, Brown, and Nick Bowden combining for seven of those. Despite struggles at the free-throw line, where Graceland posted a 53.3% success rate, the team's overall field goal accuracy and relentless defense sealed the outcome.

Mount Marty, despite a strong start, struggled to keep pace in the latter stages of the game. Lunday led his team with 15 points, while Damon Opdahl added key three-point shots off the bench. However, Mount Marty's 23 total turnovers, coupled with Graceland's 18 assists and 14 steals, defined the game.

Key Performances

• Siddiq Canty: Led all scorers with 24 points, adding five steals and four assists. His ability to disrupt Mount Marty's backcourt was pivotal.
• Cole Bowen: Registered a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring Graceland's inside game and contributing to second-chance points.
• Carter Brown: Added nine points on 50% shooting from three-point range.
• Team Defense: Graceland's 14 steals and defensive intensity held Mount Marty to a mere 38.5% from beyond the arc.

Next Game

The Yellowjackets turn their focus to Heart of America Athletic Conference play, where they will face Clarke University on Wednesday, November 13, at the Kehl Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

For more information on the Graceland men's basketball team and all Yellowjacket athletics, visit GUjackets.com.