SPRING ARBOR, MI. – The annual Field Trip game for Spring Arbor Men's Basketball is one of the most electric environments of the year, and this year's matchup with Grace Christian did not disappoint. The kids brought a whole bunch of energy, and the Cougars and Tigers responded with an entertaining offensive showdown that featured two 30-plus point scorers, a combined 177 total points, and both teams shooting over 55% from the floor, and 44% from behind the arc.
The first half was mostly controlled by the Tigers, who had a lead as high as 11 points at 46-35 with 3:15 left, but Spring Arbor found a spark late. The Cougars went on a 12-3 run to close out the half, courtesy of 5 points from
Travis Grayson, 4 points from
Gabe Newhof, and a triple from
Eli White to cut the deficit to two, with Grace Christian taking the slim advantage, 49-47, into the break.
Half two started out back and forth, with Grace Christian getting out to a 5 point lead before a 14-2 run by the Cougars gave them a 7 point lead around the 14 minute mark. Grace Christian would respond with a 8-0 run of their own to retake the lead, but a triple by
Tyler DeSimpelare gave the lead right back to SAU, and they wouldn't lose it again. The Cougars found their stride in the last 12 minutes, outscoring the Tigers 29-17, resulting in the 94-83 final score.
THE BASICS
SCORE: Spring Arbor 94, Grace Christian 83
LOCATION: Spring Arbor, MI | American 1 Credit Union Arena
RECORDS: Spring Arbor 2-1, Grace Christian 1-3
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
- Continuing his stellar start to the season, Gabe Newhof once again led all scorers with 36 points, also adding 7 rebounds and a block. This was Newhof's 11th career 30 point game.
- Guard Travis Grayson and Forward Kevyn Robertson played well in multiple facets, with Grayson finishing with 14 points, 9 assists and 3 steals, and Robertson recording 15 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists.
- Other major contributions from the Cougars came courtesy of Eli White, who had 9 points on 3 triples, and Dante Favor, who had 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists.
- Bankeys Omari had a big game for Grace Christian, leading their offense with 34 points, notching 5 rebounds, as well as going 12-13 on Free Throws.
