Trojans Unable to Contain Elite Lancer Offense in CL-Opening Defeat

WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Taylor stayed close with No. 4 Grace (6-0, 1-0 CL) in the first half until a 12-0 run spanning the end of the first and beginning of the second allowed the Lancers to run away in an 89-64 defeat on Wednesday night.

The Lancers began the game hot from outside the arc hitting a trio of quick triples to grab an early 13-5 lead. The advantage continued to grow to an 11-point lead at 25-14 before Taylor was able to respond.

The Trojans scored six-straight points to trim the deficit to five. The Trojan bench continued to play well and stayed within striking distance. Levin Smith provided an assist before splashing home a three to cut the lead to four. Pete Combs reentered and converted a layup to halve the deficit to two at 39-37, with under three minutes left in the half.

Grace went on a 7-0 run capped by a three by Ian Raasch, who had 20 first half points, at the halftime buzzer to push its advantage to double-digits at the break and slow down any momentum the Trojans had.

The home squad continued its run in the second half, scoring the first five before Combs stopped the bleeding with a layup. No. 4 Grace continued its electric offensive performance led by Raasch, who scored 34 points and shot a perfect 13-13 from the field including five from three-point land.

Combs and Nate Paarlberg were the only Trojans in double figures with 12 and 11 points respectively. Smith added nine points off the bench to go with four rebounds and three assists.

Taylor struggled with turnovers, giving the ball away 21 times, leading to 24 points for Grace, who shot over 55 percent from the field and over 47 percent from beyond the arc.

Taylor (4-3, 0-1 CL) continues its early Crossroads League schedule against cross-county rivals No. 1 Indiana Wesleyan (7-0, 1-0 CL) inside Odle Arena, with tip set for 2:00 pm.