Nov. 26, 2002

Box Score

Allendale, Mich. - The Lakers overcame a 14 point halftime deficit and came back to defeat Aquinas 66-65 in the opening round of the Select Bank Hall of Fame Classic at Van Andel Arena on Tuesday night. GVSU hustled their way back into the game in the final period with 13 offensive rebounds and six steals to cut into the 34-20 first half lead Aquinas had built. The Lakers cut the lead to one on a three by Nate Hinkle with 1:10 remaining. After a stop by the GV defense, the ball ended up in the hands of freshman Jeff Grauzer who took the ball to the basket for the game winning hoop with 26 seconds left.

It was a sloppy first half for GVSU as they shot only 23%, including 0-11 from behind the arc. The Lakers stepped their game up in the final period sparked by Al Mans who chipped in a team high 16 points and Jason Bauer who added 14 points and 14 rebounds. Hinkle came off the bench to score 12, while Grauzer added 9 points and 6 boards.

Grand Valley State improves to 3-1 on the season and will play Hope College, who defeated Cornerstone in the other matchup, in the Select Bank Championship game on Saturday at 8:00 pm in the Van Andel Arena.