Zach Schutte - selected to the Calvin College Invitational All Tournament Team

The Tigers, still stinging from their double overtime loss to Calvin College on Friday night, took it out on NCAA III D’Youville College (Buffalo, NY) in Saturday’s consolation game of the Calvin Tip-Off Tournament.  Grace started strong, easily handling the Spartans’ full court press and 2-3 zone defense.  The Tigers also played some stingy defense and led 49-32 at the half as Coach Gary Bailey played thirteen players in the first 20 minutes.

The second half went much like the first with Bailey playing all seventeen players in uniform at least four minutes each.  “We were able to rest our seasoned players who left it all on the floor the night before,” said Bailey, “and our younger players and freshmen were able to get some quality minutes in a wonderful venue like Van Noord Arena.  We always appreciate the hospitality of Calvin and Coach Vande Streek and we are grateful for the invitation each year to play here.”

Junior Zach Schutte (Calvin Christian) led the Tigers with 18 points and 8 rebounds in 18 minutes of play and was named to the All-Tournament Team.  Five other Tigers scored in double figures including Randy Jefferson (10), Matt Kurtz (10), Ryan Dame (10), John Oostema (11), and Aaron Schutte (10).  Grace completely dominated the boards and shooting percentages. They outrebounded the Spartans 60-20.  The Tigers shot 58% from the field and 70% from the free throw line.  D’Youville was 37% from the field and 50% from the free throw line.

The Tigers will be off for some family time at Thanksgiving and return to action on Thursday, December 1 when they host Maranatha Baptist Bible College at 8 PM in the NCCAA II Midwest Region Tip-off Tournament.