John Oostema

The Tigers combined a solid defensive performance with some great outside shooting to score an impressive win, 70-57, over an athletic Florida Christian College team Friday night in Kissimmee, Florida.  The Tigers shot a blistering 9 for 13 for the game from outside the three point arc, lead by senior guard John Oostema’s (Grand Rapids Christian) perfect 5 for 5.  Oostema made 4 of his threes in the first half and the Suns had trouble solving the Tigers’ defensive schemes which only allowed 25 first half points to Florida Christian.  Grace led at the break, 39-25.

“I was happy with most everything we did tonight,” said Coach Gary Bailey.  “We set some goals for the team prior to the game and they executed the game plan well.”

Oostema finished with 4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 19 points to lead all scorers.  Senior Ryan Krombeen (Calvin Christian), back in the lineup after missing the last two games, played stellar defense, holding Florida Christian’s big man, Sam Stephens, to just 4 points.  Krombeen also had 11 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.  The Tigers continued their pattern of balanced scoring with senior Cory Jamieson (Wayland) contributing 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists), senior Matt Kurtz (Lowell) scoring 11 points, and junior Zach Schutte chipping in 12 points and 7 rebounds.

The Tigers face #2 Valley Forge Christian College at 1:00 PM in Saturday’s wrapup game of the FCC Christmas Classic before heading home on Sunday.  The Tigers are grateful for the tremendous support from families, alumni, supporters, and friends of Grace Bible College who have attended the games in Florida.  Some who live in Florida traveled as much as four hours one way to attend these games.  Thank you!