A tough shooting performance proved costly Saturday to the Grace College women’s basketball team.

The Lancers struggled from the field and the free throw line in a 54-44 loss to Iowa Wesleyan in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Grace shot just 18-of-57 from the field and only 2-of-9 from the line in the loss. The Lancers, who drop to 10-5 on the season, also had 23 turnovers.

The Lancers, despite their shooting woes, led 19-17 at halftime on Wesleyan (3-12).

Gabby Bryant and Allison Kauffman each had 11 points to pace Grace. Senior Emily Bidwell, a Whitko High School alum, had seven points and eight rebounds and Jayla Starks added seven points.

Bryant sparked a huge comeback Friday as the Lancers rallied from an 18-point first-half deficit to defeat host Mt. Mercy 75-70.

Bryant, a freshman guard from Indianapolis, scored 18 of her career-high 23 points in the second half. She hit five treys in the victory.

Grace trailed 36-18 in the opening half Friday and 40-27 at intermission. The Lancers shot just 10-of-32 from the field and the hosts were 17-of-28 in the opening half. The Lancers used runs of 7-1, 8-0 and 10-1 in the final half to rally for the victory.

Kauffman had 17 points and seven rebounds and Bidwell six points and 11 rebounds in the win. Juaneice Jackson added 15 points for the Lancers.

Grace committed only 10 turnovers in the game and hauled down 23 offensive rebounds.

Grace opens conference play Wednesday by hosting Spring Arbor.