Grand Valley State dropped a 44-26 decision to Harding Saturday afternoon at Lubbers Stadium in NCAA Playoff action. GVSU concluded the 2024 season with an 11-2 record. 

The Lakers struck first after forcing a Harding punt with an 8-play, 73-yard scoring drive. Junior QB Ike Udengwu hooked up with senior WR Kyle Nott on the first play of the game for a 30-yard completion.  Sophomore RB Khalil Eichelberger toted the ball for 20 yards on the drive, including the final one yard for a touchdown. RS Freshman PK Mathew Bacik kicked the PAT for a 7-0 Laker advantage. 

Harding was able to get the running game back on track and built a 17-7 halftime lead and opened the second half with a pair of scores. Sophomore WR Kellen Reed returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to end the third quarter, his fourth return for a touchdown in his career. Udengwu finished a 13-play, 62-yard drive with a two-yard run and RB Syone Usma-Harper added a four-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. 

Udengwu completed 13-of-25 passes for 179 yards and rushed for 21 yards. Usma-Harper caught three passes for 58 yards, while Nott hauled in three receptions for 53 yards. Eichelberger pulled down two catches for 28 yards, senior TE Drew Peterson two for 21 yards and senior WR Darrell Johnson hauled in one reception for 17 yards. 

Junior LB Anthony Cardamone notched a team-high 14 tackles and senior defensive tackle Jack Gilchrist added 10 stops.