Championship Game Crunch Time Instructions

“Back to Back” and for the third time in five years Grace takes home the National Championship.  The final game was a tight contest throughout with the Tigers trailing for much of the game against Southeastern University.  “This is a great ending to a great season,” said Coach Gary Bailey.  “I’m very happy for the kids who worked so hard to get here.  We didn’t play our best basketball in this tournament but the guys found a way to dig down for the extra fortitude when they really needed it to win.”

The Tigers finish the 2009-10 season with 15 straight victories and a 28-10 record and they have not lost to a NCCAA II team in two years.

From the coaching staff and players: Thanks to all the loyal fans who supported the team throughout the regular season and the regional and national tournaments.  Your faithfulness is appreciated immensely.

2010 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Ryan Dame Delivers Championship Thunder v. Southeastern University

#23 Ryan Dame

The Tigers outlasted a stubborn, determined and disciplined Central Bible College in Friday’s semi-final action with a 64-61 victory in front of the Spartan’s home crowd.  Grace now advances to their third national final game in 5 years as they face Southeastern University for the National Championship at 4 PM CST (5 PM EST). 

The Tigers were led once again by Allen Durham with 28 points and 10 rebounds and fellow captains Ryan Krombeen with 15 points and Brandon Herlein with 10 points, but it was Ryan Dame, coming off the bench, that seemed to spark the Tigers each time they needed it most.  “Ryan may have played his best game in a Tiger uniform to date,” said Coach Gary Bailey.  It was the things Dame did that don’t show in the box score that made a big difference.  His diving for loose balls, defense, rebounding, and two spectacular dunks energized the team each time Central Bible made a run at Grace. 

In the last minute of the game Ryan Krombeen broke a tie with a determined drive to the basket to put the Tigers up by two, and when Herlein was fouled with 7 seconds, Grace had a chance to seal the victory.  But Herlein missed the first of two free throws before nailing the second.  The Spartans had one last chance at a long 3 pointer to tie the game but it fell short and the Tigers were in the Championship final.

Listen to the NCCAA II National Championship game live at www.ccsnonline.com.  Pre-game show begins at approximately 4:40 PM EST.  Tonight’s game will begin at 5:00 PM EST.

Senior Jerry McClearen made the news this week in the Grand Rapids Press.  Check out the article at:  http://www.mlive.com/smallcolleges/grandrapids/index.ssf/2010/03/grace_bible_basketball_manager.html

 

Brandon Herlein Hits 1000

Ryan Krombeen

Allen Durham

Grace used solid shooting from the field (56.9%) and a 45-17 rebounding edge to overcome 27 turnovers in downing Dallas Christian 78-64 on Thursday night in Springfield, MO.  The win moves the Tigers into the NCCAA DII Final Four for the second straight year.  Grace will take on Central Bible College, the host school for the tournament, at 8 PM CST on Friday night.  Central Bible was an 85-67 winner over Ohio Christian University.  The winner of tomorrow night’s semi-final will advance to the National Championship game on Saturday at 4 PM.

Senior Brandon Herlein began the night with two three pointers to move him past the 1000 point mark for his career.  He finished the night with 14 points.  Junior Allen Durham had his usual solid performance with 27 points and 9 rebounds but it was sophomore Ryan Krombeen who came up big for the Tigers with 20 points and 15 boards.  Christian Lawyer led Dallas Christian with 18 points.

“I wasn’t pleased with the careless way we handled the ball tonight,” said Coach Gary Bailey, “But I think we were a bit rusty from the pre-tourney layoff and Dallas Christian deserves a lot of credit for playing us tough and physical.  I’m confident we will do a better job with taking care of the ball tomorrow.”

To listen to Coach Gary Bailey’s CCSN interview recorded earlier today click on the website below.  You can also read many articles or listen to other interviews on The Christian College Sports Network at www.ccsnonline.com

Coach Bailey’s Interview:  http://ccsnonline.com/ccsn-live-audio/2010/3/5/mens-basketball-interview-with-gary-bailey.html

Allen Durham

Allen Durham was selected as the ACCA (Association of Christian College Athletics) National Player of the Year on March 3rd in Oklahoma City, OK.  Durham, a Junior, was a 2nd Team All-American in 2009.  Durham averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists a game this year while shooting a staggering 68% from the floor.

Kyle Bohl, Dan George, Kent Karnemaat, Gary Bailey

For the 3rd straight year, Coach Gary Bailey and his staff have been named the Midwest Region Coach of the Year.  The Tigers won the Midwest Region for the third straight year and are the #1 seed in the NCCAA National Tournament which begins next week.  The Tigers are currently 25-10 on the season and have won 36 consecutive NCCAA II games.

“It is an honor for this coaching staff to receive this award.  We work very hard to put a good team on the floor and also work to make sure that this team shows good sportsmanship and character on and off the floor.  Being  voted for this award by the other coaches means alot to us.”  – Gary Bailey

The Tigers have landed the #1 seed in the upcoming NCCAA DII National Tournament to be held in Springfield, Missouri March 9-13.  Grace is 25-10 (winning their last 12 in a row) going into the tourney with a 16-0 record against NCCAA DII colleges this year.  The Tigers have a first round bye by virtue of their number one seed.  Their first game of the tournament is at 6:00 PM on Thursday, March 11 against the winner of Dallas Christian (TX) and Baptist Bible College (MO).

Brandon Herlein, Ryan Krombeen, Allen Durham

Senior Brandon Herlein, Junior Allen Durham, and Sophomore Ryan Krombeen were named to the All-Midwest Region team.  The three are also the team captains for the Tigers.  Seniors Paul Nelson and Kyle Rothley were selected as Honorable Mention.  Congratulations Brandon, Allen, Ryan, Paul, and Kyle! 

Paul Nelson

Kyle Rothley