WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Senior Greg Hamilton scored his 1,000th career point, but a challenging second half resulted in the Spring Arbor University men's basketball team falling 73-62 at Grace College on Saturday.
Hamilton, who entered the contest just eight points shy of the milestone, registered exactly eight points to become the 42nd player in the storied history of the program to join the 1,000-point club.
"We are really happy for Greg," said head coach Ryan Cottingham. "He has worked hard throughout his career and has consistently competed at a high level. Greg is an awesome young man and a great teammate. Well done, Greg."
An early 14-3 run – highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from junior Isaac Love – gave Spring Arbor a 21-12 lead over Grace (12-4, 2-2 CL) at the 11:29 mark of the first half. The Cougars boosted the margin to double-digits, 36-26, with 5:12 remaining in the period, but the GC defense would limit them to just one field goal the rest of the half.
The Lancers capitalized on SAU's offensive struggle and rallied back to grab a 39-38 advantage heading into the break behind the hot shooting of Tre Olive, who finished the half 4-for-4 from floor, including two three's.
After shooting 50 percent through the first 20 minutes, Spring Arbor had a hard time getting much going offensively in the second stanza against one of the Crossroads League's toughest defenses connecting on just 7-of-26 attempts.
The Lancers took their largest lead of the game, 70-55, with 8:03 remaining, but the Cougars refused to go down without a fight. Despite the struggles, SAU narrowed the deficit to eight, 70-62, with less than three minutes to play behind four straight points from freshman Luke Barber and another triple from Love. However, Grace would hold SAU scoreless over the final 2:49 to clinch the win.
"Grace always plays solid, tough defense, especially at home," said associate head coach Brandon Baum. "They did a nice job of making us uncomfortable in the second half. We continue to play well in stretches and will find ways to sustain longer as we gain experience."
Sophomore Zach Medendorp posted a team-high 15 points while adding four rebounds and three blocks. Love followed with a career-high 13 points going a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, including three three-pointers. Junior Caleb Hogans also scored in double figures with 11 points.
Spring Arbor (6-10, 0-4 CL) will host Taylor University (8-8, 2-2 CL) on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. before taking on three straight Top 25 ranked teams beginning with No. 4 Marian University (15-1, 3-1 CL) in Indianapolis on Saturday, Jan. 9.
Men's Basketball Contact: Chris Bauman | 517-750-6504 | christopher.bauman@arbor.edu
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