Friday night saw an early NAIA Top 25 match-up in the first round of the Maple City Hoopfest at Goshen College. The #7 ranked Vikings (4-0) faced their first test of the season against #16 Cornerstone University (MI). Those in attendance for the tip-off were not disappointed, as both teams proved their early season ranking. The Vikings used an fast start and a great first half defensive effort to gain the victory 75-63.

Grand View held the Golden Eagles (0-1) to 22 first half points and held a 9 point lead at intermission. Despite gaining a 20 point advantage midway through the second half, the #16 ranked Golden Eagles did not stop competing. The Golden Eagles used some clutch shooting and forced the Vikings to turn the ball over and got the lead under 10 with 4 minutes to play. The veteran Vikings group kept their composure and used some clutch shooting in the final three minutes to get the 12 point victory.

Grand View was led by sophomore transfer Kevin Smith in points with 23 on 10 of 14 shooting. Last season's All-American Corey Viet garnered his first double-double of the season, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Viet's 14 points came on only five shots, as he converted 4 of his 5 attempts. Senior Greg Schulz shot 5 of 11 and ended the night with 12 points. Senior point guard Grant Burns was the floor leader for the Vikings as he was able to get in the lane countless times against the Golden Eagles and find open shooters. Burns ended the night with 9 assists and had great drives down the stretch to help Grand View pull out the victory.

The Vikings will be playing in the Maple City Hoopfest championship game this afternoon. Grand View will play host school Goshen College, who defeated Holy Cross 115-68 last night.