Wolverines Fall to No. 1 Grace at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Playing on an NBA floor for the first time this season, the University of Michigan-Dearborn men’s basketball team was unable to slow No. 1 Grace (Ind.) on Wednesday night, as the Lancers pulled away early and handed the Wolverines a 109–73 setback at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn men's basketball team dropped a 109–73 decision to No. 1 Grace (Ind.) on Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, as the Lancers used efficient shooting and depth to pull away early and maintain control throughout the nonconference matchup.
Grace set the tone from the opening minutes, shooting nearly 60 percent from the floor in the first half while building a 51–36 advantage at the break. Michigan-Dearborn kept pace early behind interior scoring from Kevin Gillenwater and second-chance opportunities, but Grace's consistent ball movement and rebounding edge allowed the Lancers to steadily extend the margin.
The Wolverines were led offensively by Gillenwater, who finished with a team-high 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting while adding two rebounds and a block in 23 minutes. Thomas Dillard IV chipped in eight points and a team-best nine rebounds, while Jackson Reynolds, Luc Laketa and Collin Miller each added seven points.
Grace continued to apply pressure in the second half, opening on a run that pushed the lead beyond 20 and limited Michigan-Dearborn's ability to mount a comeback. The Lancers finished the night shooting 59.2 percent from the field and held a decisive 54–31 advantage on the glass. Gavin Betten led all scorers with 19 points off the bench, while Tyler Raasch recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Michigan-Dearborn shot 36.7 percent overall and 18.2 percent from three-point range, with Logan Hamama providing a spark off the bench with nine points and three assists. Despite forcing 21 Grace turnovers, the Wolverines were unable to convert those opportunities into sustained momentum.
The contest marked a unique experience for both programs, as the game was played at the home of the NBA's Indiana Pacers. Michigan-Dearborn will look to regroup as it returns to action later this week.
