Ryan Krombeen Scores on a Contested Baseline Jumper

The Tigers started a little slow but finally got it going late, taking a 67-52 decision from College of the Ozarks.  Grace was trailing 23-14 when a 10-0 surge put them on top by 1.  Down 29-27 at the half Coach Gary Bailey knew the Tigers were in for a battle for the entire game.  “We were facing some distractions today with illness and transportation issues, but the guys showed their experience and focus,” said Bailey.

“We challenged the guys that defense and rebounding would win this game and they responded,” said Assistant Coach Dan George. Wow, did they respond!  Cory Jamieson with 12 points and 3 steals had his usual solid effort.  Randy Jefferson had 10 points and Ryan Dame added 8 rebounds but it was senior captain Ryan Krombeen who was relentless on the boards throughout the game and led a late second half charge that put the game away for the Tigers.  Krombeen finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds.  “He was huge for us,” said Coach George. “It was perhaps his best game to date, start to finish, as a Tiger.”

The Tigers outrebounded the Bobcats 42-35, had a higher field goal and free throw percentage, and the 52 points allowed by the defense was the lowest of the young season.

Grace closes out its Kentucky visit on Saturday at 2 PM when they meet Valley Forge Christian College in a rematch of the 2011 national championship game.