Boonstra Gymnasium was packed out on Wednesday evening for a big-time NCCAA match-up between Grace Christian University and Kuyper College. The Cougars defeated the Tigers in an overtime thriller by a score of 92-90. Kuyper and Grace Christian played earlier this season for the Cross Cup trophy, where the Cougars won 80-71 back in November. 

Before the game, Kuyper President Patti Harris and Grace Christian President Ken Kemper shared some words of appreciation regarding Kuyper Head Coach Gary Bailey after the announcement of his upcoming retirement. Bailey won 7 NCCAA II National Championships at Grace Christian, and he has been pivotal in leading the rebuild of Kuyper's athletics department over the past three seasons. Bailey was gifted a signed basketball from former players in front of his family. 

The Cougars and Tigers played a competitive game throughout, with both teams trading scoring punches. Kuyper led a majority of the first half but Grace Christian kept the game close throughout. At the half, Kuyper led 43-42. After some halftime hoops entertainment from some local 6th grade girls players, the game got back going. Kuyper and Grace Christian traded runs of their own, with Kuyper earning their biggest lead of the game of 9 points. However, Grace Christian's pressure defense led to a few costly turnovers down the stretch for Kuyper, and Grace earned a four point lead with just over a minute to go. Austin Stone made some clutch free throws to narrow the lead, and then Nic Yorke hit a pair of clutch ones with 8 seconds remaining to tie the game. Kuyper got a defensive stop to then force overtime. 

In overtime, Elijah Searcy started things out with a clutch three for Kuyper. Grace and Kuyper were back and forth in overtime, and Latrell Jennings hit the go-ahead shot late in the game. Kuyper got a stop and a big defensive rebound from Austin Stone. Jashaun Boggerty extended the lead to two for Kuyper after splitting at the free throw line. Kuyper got one final defensive stop to secure the win. 

Latrell Jennings led the way with 21 points, 5 assists and a huge clutch shot. Austin Stone had a huge double-double for Kuyper, as he finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks. Nic Yorke added 16 points and 7 rebounds. Nick Moore filled the stat sheet with 15 points and 8 assists. Jashaun Boggerty also notched double figures, as he finished with 11 points. 

Kuyper improves to 8-9 on the year and 6-3 in the NCCAA II. The Cougars host Maranatha Baptist University on Saturday at 2:00pm.