Box Score CEDARVILLE, Ohio - Grand Valley State held Cedarville without a field goal for the final seven and half minutes to grind out a 51-48 non-conference win at the Callan Athletic Center.

The Yellow Jackets had their four-game home court winning streak snapped to enter the Christmas break at 5-7.

GVSU, 8-2, pulled out the victory despite shooting just 28 percent from the field including a 4-for-22 showing from three-point territory.

The Lakers were 13-for-14 at the line after making all seven of their attempts in the second half.

A Colton Linkous three-pointer just in front of the shot clock buzzer gave CU a 42-36 lead with 8:20 left - the largest advantage either side had.

Easton Bazzoli returned the difference to six points, 44-38, with a layup at the 7:31 mark. That was the last field goal of the game for the Yellow Jackets.

Grand Valley State answered with a nine-point run to lead 47-44. Four free throws down the stretch held Cedarville at bay. The Jackets' best look in the final seconds were a pair of highly-contested three-pointers.

J.C. Faubion finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Bazzoli added 10 points and nine boards while Robert Okoro had nine rebounds.

Quotable: Head Coach Pat Estepp

"That was definitely a defensive battle! Give credit to Grand Valley. They are well-coached and Rick's (Wesley) teams always defend and play physical.

"I was really proud of our effort especially on the defensive end. It might be the best defense we have played in a few years.

"We outrebounded the 7th-ranked rebounding margin team in D2, but in the second half we did not finish possessions on the boards. Turnovers and second half offensive boards were the deciding factor in this game.

"We are getting better especially on the defensive end, but I am sure the guys are as frustrated as I am that we felt like we gave away a chance for another good D2 win."

Numbers Game:

• The nine rebounds by Bazzoli and Okoro were season-highs for both players.
• Faubion scored in double figures for the fifth straight game (20.4 ppg).
• The Yellow Jacket defense established season-lows for an opponents' field goal percentage (.283) and three-point accuracy (.182).
• Cedarville had a 38-37 edge on the boards. Grand Valley, who entered the game 7th in Division II in rebounding, was outrebounded for the first time this season.
• GVSU leads the all-time series, 4-1, with four consecutive wins.
• PDF Stats

Next Up: The Yellow Jackets play an exhibition game at Division I Cleveland State on Dec. 29 at 7:00 p.m. EST.

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