Playing conference-leading Graceland, St. Ambrose put together one of its best performances of the year. But the upset bid came up just short as the Bees fell 28-23 Saturday afternoon in Lamoni, Iowa.

The Bees were able to stay competitive despite spotting the Yellowjackets a 21-3 lead midway through the second quarter. With the defense forcing four turnovers and two SAU quarterbacks each throwing for over 100 yards, St. Ambrose was able to get back into the game.

Joe Namio's 34-yard field goal accounted for the team's only points in falling behind 21-3.

Right before the end of the half, the Bees got a big touchdown as Tomele Staples connected with Brennan Wilson on a 15-yard scoring strike to trim the deficit to 21-10 at the break.

SAU then took the second-half kickoff and marched 93 yards in 10 plays. Maximo Vasquez capped the drive with a 12-yard touchdown run to pull the Bees to within 21-17.

Graceland (7-2, 5-0 Heart) immediately answered with a touchdown to extend its lead to 28-17.

The Bees marched into Yellowjacket territory four times after that, but came up empty each of the first three times. Finally, St. Ambrose got back on the board as Staples found Jalen Coleman with a 14-yard touchdown strike. Unfortunately that score that cut the deficit to 28-23 came with just 10 seconds remaining in the game. Graceland was able to recover the onside kick and run out the clock.

Staples completed 16-of-31 passes for 178 yards and the two touchdowns. Jake Ackman completed five passes for 102 yards.

Charles Jones hauled in six passes for 122 yards. Wilson had four catches for 65 yards. Kameron Bohnsack (five catches for 48 yards), Coleman (three for 27) and Maximo Vasquez (two for 12) had multiple receptions. Calvin Lee also caught a pass in the loss.

Vasquez carried the ball 17 times for 63 yards. Calvin Lee ran for 24 yards.

Colin Gudella led the defense with eight total tackles. Nolan Obert was in on seven stops, including two for losses. CJ Resto recorded six tackles, Grant Macke had five, and Rolando Sepulveda, George Litgen III and Jamari Chaney had four apiece.

Resto and Brock Mason each intercepted a pass while Gudella and Jeremiah Crawford each recovered a fumble.

St. Ambrose (2-7, 0-4 Heart) will visit Clarke next Saturday.