Defiance continues win streak with dominating performance against Tigers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Defiance College Yellow Jackets grabbed its second-consecutive win on Friday night at Grace Christian University — and a dominated one at that. 

At Aldrich Athletic Center, DC (2-10, 1-6 WHAC) put up four strong quarters to defeat the Tigers (2-9, 0-1 NCCAA) 60-37, allowing it to finish perfect in its final two games before Christmas. 

The Yellow Jackets jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter with points from five different contributors. They led Grace Christian 13-8 after the first 10-minute period, which was only the second time with the advantage after the first. 

The second quarter saw Defiance run away with the lead. Taylor Haynes came alive with nine points, while the Yellow Jacket defense held the Tigers to a single point. In total, Defiance outscored Grace Christian 17-1 across the second quarter, leading 30-9 at halftime — its second-consecutive lead at the half, and the largest, 21.  

DC maintained its lead for the remainder of the game with double-digit performances from both Chandler Duncan, 19, and Taylor Haynes, 17 – her season high. 

THE TURNING POINT

San'Taizia Thomas' career-high four blocks and a team combined 52 rebounds – 20 more than Grace Christian – allowed for a stealth Yellow Jacket defense to make scoring difficult on the Tigers. Once Defiance grabbed the lead, it didn't look back all game with no lead changes throughout. It continues to build on its lead as its depth contributed to its win; Grace Christian had just two players on the bench. 

A CLOSER LOOK

• Chandler Duncan led the Yellow Jackets in scoring for the eighth straight time, this time with 19 points

• Taylor Haynes put up a personal career-high 17 points

• San'Taizia's four blocks was a career high

• Morgan Crowe brought down 10 rebounds, a personal record

• Defiance had a combined 11 steals

• Offensively, the Yellow Jackets outrebounded the Tigers 20-3, giving them 12 second-chance points

• This win was the largest for Defiance since a 90-63 win over Manchester on Feb. 1, 2023

UP NEXT

Defiance will return to the court after Christmas for an exhibition at Toledo. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.

-JACKETS-