Eagles to Semifinals Behind Goergen’s 38 Points

DUBUQUE, Iowa—The Faith Eagles men's basketball team advanced to the conference tournament semifinals on Thursday behind a 38-point effort from Jayce Goergen in a thrilling 85-77 win over Calvary University.

Goergen scored 23 of his career-high 38 points in the second half. For the game, he was 10-19 from the floor, including 7-13 from three-point distance. He also made 11 of his 14 free throw attempts and chipped in 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the win.

The sophomore from Ankeny Christian Academy is having a sensational season, averaging 18.3 points per game. He ranks in the top five of several NCCAA Division II statistical categories:

• Total Points (#3):  439
• Minutes Played (#2): 782
• 3 PT FG (#3): 61
• Made Free Throws (#1): 106

The Eagles needed every one of his minutes and points against Calvary in a game that saw 25 lead changes. The second half was especially tight, with both teams staying within three points of each other for the first 16 minutes. Goergen's second half baskets came at key moments:

• A three-pointer to tie the game with 16:13 left
• A three-pointer to break a tie and take the lead with 8:21 left
• Three free throws (fouled on a 3 PT attempt) to take a two-point lead with 6:35 left
• A three-pointer to extend the lead to five with 3:54 left

With the win, the Eagles move to the conference semifinal on Friday night at 7:30 to take on Manhattan Christian College. Faith has struggled against the Thunder this season, losing twice by an average of 21.5 points.