Clutch Performance Fuels Final Victory

In his final game in the Nettleton Center, Tyler Betz closed out a record setting career with a 45 point effort to lead the Eagles to victory over visiting Grace University. Betz combined with Dillon Gingerich, who had 13 points, and Josh Whitlow, who had 14 points inlcuding the game winner with eight seconds to play, to give the Eagles their 10th win of the season and send Betz out on a winning note. Faith won by a final of 78-76.

The game was a battle from start to finish. Twelve minutes into the first half, the Eagles found themselves trailing Grace 17-13. Over the next four minutes, Faith put together an 11-2 run to take a five point 24-19 lead. Grace slowly chipped away at the lead over the next four minutes, climbing back on top 29-28 with four to go in the half. Faith tied it back up at 31 apiece, then a quick 5-0 run gave them a 36-31 lead with a minute and a half to play. Grace trimmed it to three before the break, as Faith led 40-37 at halftime.

Out of the break, a set play gave Betz an open three which he knocked down to double the lead to six, but Grace responded with a 12-5 run to retake the lead with 15 minutes to play. Back and forth it went for the next five minutes, with Faith finally able to get a small window of separation with 10 left in the game. Faith held that lead for the next seven minutes, clinging to a 73-69 lead with just under three minutes to play. However, Grace had one final run in them, as they scored seven unanswered to take a three point, 76-73 lead with a minute and a half to play. Faith called a timeout, and out of it was able to draw a foul. The Eagles hit one of two free throws to pull within two. Faith buckled down defensively as Josh Whitlow read the offense perfectly to pick off a pass and give the Eagles a chance to tie the game. Who else but senior Tyler Betz to do just that as he knocked down a shot to pull Faith even with just under a minute to play. Grace quickly tried to transition for a basket, but stepped out of bounds on the sideline, giving Faith the opportunity to take the lead with a basket. With about four seconds between the game clock and time clock, Faith ran a pick and roll with Whitlow and Betz, and Whitlow came off the screen and knocked down a jumper to give Faith the lead with eight seconds to play. Faith then forced a contested shot which Grace missed. Whitlow grabbed the rebound and was fouled with 1.2 seconds to play. Josh came up short on both free throws, and Grace called a timeout on the rebound, leaving .8 seconds on the clock for a desparation heave. Out of the timeout, the initial pass slipped through Grace's hands and time ran out as the Eagles pulled out a thrilling 78-76 victory.

Along with his 45 points, Betz grabbed 12 rebounds and handed out two assists while blocking four shots. Jordan Marshall had an amazing night at point, handing out nine assists. Josh Whitlow added seven assists and two steals along with his 14 points. In addition to his 13 points, Dillon Gingerich grabbed seven rebounds including four offensive and blocked two shots. 

Faith has one day off before jumping in to post season play with an opening MCCC tournament game Thursday versus Central Christian College of the Bible. That game will tip at 12:45 PM on the campus of Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO.