Main Story

No. 17 Grand Valley State opened its season with a 75-69 win over Harding at the Midwest Tip-Off Classic. The Lakers built a 17-point halftime lead and never trailed, then held off Harding’s second-half push by making free throws and getting a late block from Austin Tory.

By the Numbers
  • Marcus Gray II: career-high 18 points, including 4-of-4 free throws.
  • Austin Tory: career-high 15 points and 10 rebounds for his first career double-double.
  • GVSU made 9 of 18 3-pointers; Harding went 0-for-13.
  • The Lakers led 46-29 at halftime and finished with 14 assists.
State of Play
  • GVSU starts the season 1-0; Harding falls to 0-1.
  • The Lakers face Lincoln Memorial on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET in Wisconsin Dells.
Bottom Line

GVSU turned a strong start and a major edge from beyond the arc into an opening-night win, but Harding’s late rally showed the Lakers still had to finish the job at the line.