Grace’s Brandon Vanderhegghen dribbles Tuesday night against Indiana Tech. (Photo provided by the Grace College Sports Information Department)

WINONA LAKE – Grace’s men’s basketball team may have led nearly the entire game against Indiana Tech on Tuesday, but the result was far from settled until the final seconds.

The Lancers (10-3) held on late for the 70-67 victory over the Warriors (5-7) at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.

Grace stifled Indiana Tech into 37-percent shooting for the game compared to Grace’s 43 percent. The Lancers also had six fewer turnovers than the Warriors (16 to 10), but Indiana Tech finished with a plus-five advantage on the glass as the Warriors hauled in 13 offensive rebounds.

Six players for Grace scored at least eight points, led by 15 from Kyle Fillman.

Grace got off to a torrid start on Tuesday, making its first five shots en route to a 10-2 lead. Indiana Tech was forced to burn an early timeout to slow Grace’s momentum. Grace increased its edge to 14-4 before surrendering a 10-0 run to the Warriors to tie the game.

The Warriors stayed within striking distance throughout the opening half but only led for one possession. The Lancers led 30-29 at the halftime break.

The second half was a similar story. Grace continued to maintain a slight margin over Indiana Tech, but the Lancers were unable to put the Warriors away. The teams traded baskets over the final minutes with Grace holding a one-possession lead for the majority of the last 3:00.

A late turnover by Grace with 17 seconds remaining gave Indiana Tech the ball, trailing by three points at 69-66.  But after being fouled with six seconds to play, the Warriors converted on just 1-of-2 from the line. Grace returned the favor by making 1-of-2 on its free throws to go on top 70-67. The Warriors then turned the ball over on their final possession to allow Grace to hold on for the three-point win.

Logan Irwin finished with 11 points, 7 assists, 0 turnovers and 4 rebounds, and Niko Read had 11 points. Caleb Featherston tallied nine points and four rebounds, and Dennis Williams and Brandon Vanderhegghen each chipped in eight points.

Warsaw Community High School grad Jared Bloom didn’t have a great night for Tech, missing all five of his shots and committing two turnovers in 14 minutes of play.

The Lancers will be away from the friendly confines of the MOCC until Jan. 10 against St. Francis. Grace will travel to Florida next week for games against Warner on Dec. 15 and Webber International on Dec. 17.