Grace College’s Allison Kauffman scored 26 points to lead the Lady Lancers over host IUSB, 80-62. (Photo provided by the Grace College Sports Information Department)

SOUTH BEND – Allison Kauffman’s 26 points powered Grace’s women’s basketball team to an 80-62 victory over IU-South Bend on Wednesday.

The Lady Lancers (2-0) were efficient all-around, hitting 46 percent of their shots from the floor, 56 percent on 3-pointers and 82 percent on free throws. The Titans (1-1) trailed for the final 32 minutes of the game. IU-South Bend, along with Grace, is receiving votes in the NAIA Preseason Coaches’ Top 25 Poll.

The teams traded points to start the game until Grace grabbed the lead for good midway into the first half. For over six minutes, Grace held the hosts scoreless. The Lady Lancers turned a two-point deficit into a seven-point lead and never trailed again. Grace took a 35-29 advantage into halftime.

The second half belonged to Grace. The Lady Lancers quickly built up a double-digit lead, outscoring the Titans 45-33 overall in the second half.

IU-South Bend trimmed Grace’s lead to seven at 61-54 with 8:43 to play, but Grace responded with an 8-0 run to neutralize the Titans’ threat. Kauffman had six of Grace’s eight runs during that span.

Kauffman led all players with her 26 points. She finished 9-of-18 from the floor and 7-of-8 on free throws, adding a game-high nine boards. Freshman Kelsie Peterson had her first collegiate game in double-digit scoring, tallying 16 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Lindsey Schaefer made 5-of-7 from the floor for 11 points, and Darian Patton produced six points and eight boards. Kelsey Sule was a perfect 3-of-3 shooting, including 2-of-2 from the 3-point line for eight points off the bench, and Gabby Bryant and Micah Pollard each scored five.

As a team Grace held a plus-10 advantage in rebounds.

The Lady Lancers’ next game is on the road at Trinity Christian on Saturday.