February 21, 2008 | Box Score
The Jackets, trying to clinch a spot in the HAAC playoffs, were set to face MidAmerica Nazarene on Thursday evening in their final tune-up of the regular season. In an up-tempo high scoring game, Graceland struggled to put the clamps on the defending national champs potent transition offense losing 89-75.
Graceland played the Pioneers tight in the first half, trailing by only eight at the intermission. In the second half however, after deflecting a Jacket run, MidAmerica shifted their offense into high-gear pulling away for the win. "MidAmerica does such a great job taking advantage of any mistake that you make," Coach Quinn said following the contest. "We made a nice run in the second half to cut into the lead but we just didn't have enough in the tank. Ultimately you can't go on the road and make many mistakes against a team like them. Our guys played hard, but in the end, their two all-americans were just too much," Quinn concluded.
The Jackets got big games from junior big man Simon Morefield, who again continued his dominant play scoring 17 points and pulling down 7 boards. Senior Tyson Meierotto added 12 points and 8 rebounds and sophomore forward Andrew Williams also poured in 12.
At this point the Jackets are tied for eighth in the HAAC standings. Graceland will be watching the scoreboard closely on Saturday as their postseason future will be pending the outcome of the Evangel vs. Baker game. If the Evangel defeats Baker, the Jackets will earn the #8 spot in the HAAC conference tourney. Stay tuned to the graceland athletics website for updates on the men's basketball teams post season hopes.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mshelton@graceland.edu
