Grand Rapids, MI – The Tigers played the University of Michigan Dearborn tonight and lost a close game 71-69.  The Tigers led the entire first half and surrendered the lead halfway through the second half.  “Tonight’s game was a great learning experience for us and I am going to choose to look at it that way,” said Coach Gary Bailey.  “We did some really good things tonight and I was happy with how much we improved this week.  I was very unhappy at the way our Seniors handled the game tonight.  They were a combined 3-10 at the line in the second half and had some crucial turnovers down the stretch.  I expect our Seniors to be able to handle the pressures that come in a a tight game.”

With the Tigers up by one and less than a minute to play, the Wolves missed their shot attempt and Grace rebounded the ball.  The Wolves scored a lay-up and was fouled.  The Tigers scored to tie the game and with 25 seconds remaining the Wolves ran the shot clock down and made a tremendous shot as time expired.

Grace was 26-58 from the floor for 44.8% and a miserable 10-23 from the line for 43.5%.  The Wolves shot 53.6% from the floor and 60% from the line.  The Tigers led the rebounding battle by a 36-26 margin.  Grace held a margin in assists at 19-10.  The Tigers also committed 17 turnovers.

Zach Schutte and Greg Salmon led the way for GBC with 15 apiece.  Nick Mascorro, Travis Rader and BJ VanLoo each had 8.

The Wolves were led by Eric Murphy’s 15 and Jamiel Strickland’s 13.

The Tigers are in action this Friday night when they host the Tiger Holiday Charity Tournament.  The Tigers will face Crossroads College in the 7:00 pm game.  Ohio Christian University and Kuyper College will play in the 5:00 pm game.  Saturdays games will be at 1 and 3 pm.