The Tomcats (4-14, 0-4) saw just five field goals drop in the first half as they went into the break trailing the Wolverines 34-15.
Grove City (11-7, 4-0) ran its second-half lead to as many as 30 before Thiel was able to cut the deficit to 15 to end the contest.
The Wolverines shot 43.9 percent (25-57) from the floor for the game and finished with a commanding 47-24 advantage on the glass.
Phil Bushre led the Wolverine attack with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Ryan Eller added 13 while Matt Phillips and Mike Lukcic each finished with 10 boards.
Junior forward Stephen Laird totaled 13 points and four assists to pace the Tomcats. Freshman forward Joe Herrmann and senior guard Daryl Moore each finished with 11.
The Tomcats will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 29 when they travel to PAC rival Washington & Jefferson College. Tip off is scheduled for 3 p.m.