SPRING ARBOR, Mich. - Grace's basketball team played an inspired first half en route to a 75-66 victory over Spring Arbor on Tuesday, a win that gave head coach Jim Kessler his 650th career victory.

The Lancers dominated play in the first period, holding the Cougars to 23 percent from the field (5-of-22) and went into the half with a comfortable 34-17 lead.

No. 8 Grace pushed their lead up to as much as 20 points in the second half and kept Spring Arbor at bay to maintain their one-game lead in the heated Mid-Central College Conference standings.

"We came out and did what we need to in the first half," Kessler said. "We passed the ball around well and created advantages for ourselves throughout the night. We had several players step up. A road win is a road win."

Kessler's milestone makes him one of only nine active NAIA basketball coaches who have reached 650 coaching wins. His all-time record currently stands at 650-498.

"I have had the privilege of coaching a lot of great players over the years who have made me look good," Kessler remarked. "I consider myself fortunate to be where I am now, and I praise the Lord when I think about these experiences."

Spring Arbor scored the first points of the game, but the Lancers (19-5; 9-4 MCC) did not trail again after a free throw from Dennis Williams put Grace ahead 3-2.

Although Grace led for practically the entire first half, they took control by closing out the final seven minutes of the half on a 14-4 run.

Elliot Smith was an offensive spark with 10 of his 13 points in the first half, including all three of his 3-pointers.

Grace was on cruise control in the second half, rarely letting their lead dip into single digits despite playing without Duke Johnson for the second straight game. The Cougars (15-10; 6-7 MCC) managed to slice the margin to eight with 51 seconds left, but Grace made 3-of-4 from the foul line to coast to victory.

Bruce Grimm Jr. led Grace's offense with 22 points, 4 assists and 2 steals. Jacob Peattie was efficient on the offensive end with 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the floor to go along with a pair of steals.

Williams added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks, and Greg Miller chipped in with 4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals.

Despite shooting just 4-of-19 from beyond the arc (21 percent), the Lancers hit 48 percent from the field compared to 43 percent for the Cougars.

The Lancers will face Goshen College at home on Saturday at 3 p.m. Grace has five games left in the MCC season and currently leads Indiana Wesleyan and Saint Francis by one game in the standings.