It wasn't always pretty, but St. Ambrose did enough to grind out a 50-45 home win over Graceland Sunday afternoon.

The Bees forced 25 turnovers and limited the Yellowjackets to 35-percent shooting to overcome their own offensive issues.

Nursing a 35-34 lead entering the fourth quarter, SAU did its best defensive work over the final 10 minutes. Graceland (3-5) made just 3-of-11 shots and committed eight turnovers in the final period while St. Ambrose connected on 10-of-14 from the line in the fourth. The Bees, who finished with 20 turnovers, had just three in the final frame.

SAU had built a 39-34 lead on an Anna Plumer 3-pointer with seven minutes remaining only to watch Graceland respond with four straight points to get back within a single point. Up 42-41, Madeline Prestegaard tracked down an offensive rebound and scored inside for a three-point lead. Shayne Smith converted 1-of-2 from the line to extend the advantage to 45-41. 

The Yellowjackets got back to within two points at 45-43 with a minute left and had the ball back twice with a chance to tie or take the lead. But the Bee defense had the answer, forcing two straight turnovers, the second coming on an offensive foul with less than 30 seconds on the clock. That ultimately led to two Prestegaard free throws for a 47-43 score. 

After Graceland scored to close to within two points, Plumer hit the first of two free throws. The Yellowjackets' three to tie was off the mark. Maddy Cash grabbed the rebound and made two from the line with five seconds remaining to close out the scoring.

Plumer, who was 3-for-5 from beyond the arc, and Prestegaard each came off the bench to score a team-best 12 points. Jaynee Prestegaard finished with nine points and nine boards. Smith scored six, Kylie Wroblewski netted five and Cash added four points and a team-best four assists. Avari Everts added two points in the win.

The Bees shot just 28 percent from the floor but thanks to tracking down 18 offensive rebounds, they attempted 12 more field goals than the Jackets. 

St. Ambrose returns to CCAC play Wednesday by hosting Lincoln College.