Haden Deaton defends during Grace’s win over Great Lakes Christian. (Photo courtesy Jeff Nycz, Mid-South Images)

WINONA LAKE – Grace’s men’s basketball team picked up another win to end a successful non-conference season.

The Lancers beat Great Lakes Christian 87-68 on Thursday at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center. Two players for Grace had double-doubles, and four players scored in double figures in a balanced effort.

The Crusaders (6-6) attempted to pressure Grace defensively to start the game. The tactic did not work, however, as the Lancers blitzed Great Lakes (GLCC) with a quick attack.

The Lancers (11-4) scored 15 fastbreak points over the opening nine minutes. Haden Deaton highlighted Grace’s start when he threw down a pair of dunks.

Grace pulled ahead by 14 thanks to eight early points apiece from Deaton and Charlie Warner.

But the Crusaders refused to fade. GLCC clawed back and trailed by just three with four minutes to play in the half.

Grace responded with four straight points, and Myles Johnson sent Grace into halftime with momentum. Johnson banked in a running 3-pointer from well beyond the arc as the buzzer sounded, lifting Grace to a 46-35 advantage.

The Lancers shot 49 percent from the floor compared to 37 percent for the Crusaders. Grace also had an assist on 16 of its 20 made field goals. Deaton and Warner each had 10 points before halftime.

Grace’s momentum carried into the start of the second half; Grace scored 10 points over the first three minutes to earn an 18-point lead.

The Crusaders showed resolve again to battle back. GLCC caught fire from deep, hitting four 3-pointers during a five-minute stretch to rally.

A triple by Great Lakes with 3:46 remaining cut Grace’s margin down to 72-66.

Grace’s defense tightened up at that point. The Lancers allowed GLCC to score just one more hoop for the rest of the contest.

The Lancers took advantage with a 12-0 run to effectively end the game. Warner scored Grace’s final seven points, hitting 4-of-4 from the foul line in the last minute.

Warner was efficient in his team-high 20 points, shooting 6-of-12 from the floor, 3-of-6 from deep and 5-of-6 from the foul line.

Deaton had a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Braxton Linville had another double-double with 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 5 points and 2 steals.

Matt Jennings tallied 14 points, 6 boards and 3 assists, and Sons had 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists.

Cody Holmes scored seven points off the bench, Hank Smith added six points, and Johnson chipped in five points and seven rebounds.

The Lancers hit the road on Saturday, playing at No. 8 Marian at 3 p.m. after the women’s Grace/Marian contest.