Clutch Plays Late Earn Men's Basketball's First Win, 77-72

FOREST CITY, IA – The Waldorf University Men's Basketball Team made a late push to win a back and forth game, controlling the final minutes to earn a 77-72 victory over Mount Mercy at the Hanson Fieldhouse Tuesday.

Trailing 72-71 with 1:18 to play, Waldorf (1-3) turned to junior guard Khalil Grayson (Milwaukee, WI) in the clutch.  With the game on the line, Grayson nailed the jumper that proved to be the game winner, as Mount Mercy (0-2) would fail to score the rest of the way despite several opportunities. 

Key stops by the Warriors' defense created opportunities for junior Noah Miller (Forest City, IA) to salt the game away from the free throw line.  Miller converted on four of six attempts in the final minute, and collected a crucial defensive rebound of a Mustang miss while the score stood at 75-72.

"It was not pretty, but we found a way," said Waldorf Head Coach Nigel Jenkins.  "We are still growing and learning.  The first half went pretty well offensively, but the second did not.  [Mount Mercy] had a couple tough matchups for us and we wanted to make it tough on them.  It was a good game to play, but we have to be better tomorrow.  Graceland has a good team.  If we do not play well for 40 minutes on both sides of the ball, we will be in trouble," Jenkins said.

The Warriors came storming out of the gate in the first half, scoring a season-high 49 points on 52.8 percent shooting (19 for 36).  Waldorf shot an outstanding 60 percent (9 for 15) from behind the arc in the opening 20 minutes and took a 49-38 lead to the locker room at the intermission.

Four Warriors scored in double figures for the game, including Grayson and junior Gabriel Sorensen (West Haven, UT) who led the team with 18 apiece.  Miller finished with 17, including team highs in made three pointers (three) and free throws (eight).  Junior guard Kaelon Harkema (Louisville, KY) contributed 11 points on 5 for 11 shooting.

Junior center Ugo Ejiofor (Dallas, TX) was the game's leading rebounder with 13.  Waldorf enjoyed a lopsided advantage in team rebounding, 40-27.  The Warriors -- led by Grayson's 18 points in just 25 minutes – held a decided edge in bench scoring, 23-10.

Tuesday's non-conference nailbiter featured seven tie scores and 11 lead changes. 

Waldorf wraps up its season-opening, five-game homestand Wednesday night when they play host to Graceland.  Tip off is set for 7:00 p.m. at Hanson Fieldhouse.