The Pirates and Graceland are 1-1 against each other on the year. Both teams winning at the other's respective home court. Graceland was Park's first Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup this season, which favored Park by six points, 75-69.

Park's record is 5-18 on the season and 3-15 in the Heart. The Pirates last conference win was December 17 against Mount Mercy University on the road, 74-69. Graceland has posted a 15-9 record and are 10-8 in the Heart.

The Yellowjackets are 7^th in the Heart at the moment, winning three of their last four games, including an upset win over No. 19 Evangel.

The largest lead was only 9 points for the Yellowjackets, as the game was always in reach for both sides. With that being said, Park led for the first 7:13 of the game, but were unable to grab the lead again until 5:31 in the second half which lasted for two possessions before returning to Graceland's control.

Drew Kroft began the game with a three-point basket, followed by a made jumper and layup by DeMarcus Hudson to give Park its largest lead of six points, 7-1.

Hudson continued to be effective with six points in the first five minutes of play. He finished his day with 12 points and five assists.

Graceland tied the game at 9 soon after and overtook Park with a made three-pointer at 13:10, 12-9.

The game stayed close and at 7:35 Darius Jones tied the game with a three-pointer off of Leon Kalinic's assist, 23-23.

Kroft hit a big three-point shot to bring the game within two points, 36-34, but Graceland was able to respond to end the half, 38-34.

With 26 points in the game, Kroft set a new season-high in points scored and three-point baskets made with a 7-of-12 shooting performance from beyond the arc.  

Park had some opportunities down the stretch to overtake the Yellowjackets, but some walls stalled the Pirates in the second half. The Pirates finally broke through with a 9-0 run that spanned just under two minutes. At 5:31, Kroft made a pair of free-throws to claim the 62-61 lead for the Pirates.

An and-one the other direction occurred just over a minute later for the Yellowjackets and they regained the lead 64-62.

In the last five minutes of play though, the Pirates did not record a made field goal, as only two more free-throws came in by Augusto Hausmann to make it a 67-64 game. The Pirates had some open looks towards the end of the game, but Graceland emerged with the 69-64 win.

Park shot 52.3-percent which edged Graceland's 43.3-percent from the field. Park also had nine-of-13 from three-point range compared to Graceland's seven-of-21.

Seven more turnovers hurt the Pirates though, as Graceland capitalized with 22 points off of turnovers, while the Pirates only had four of the same.

Another advantage of 14 offensive rebounds for the Yellowjackets amounted to 19 second chance points. Park only managed six offensive rebounds and had seven second chance points.

On the game, there were only three ties and three lead changes.

Hausmann joined Kroft and Hudson in double-figures with a 13-point performance and six rebounds.

Darius Jones complimented the offense with six points on the day.

Shahadah Camp only attempted one shot, but contributed three assists.

The Pirates welcome Missouri Valley College to Breckon Sports Center on Wednesday, February 8 at 7:30pm for their next contest. Watch the live-action here.
Box Score