Crusaders Pressure Upends Cardinals

BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich- The Great Lakes Christian College Men's Basketball team was back on the road Thursday night to take on Andrews University Cardinals. The Crusaders came into the game riding a three game win streak. The Crusaders came out to a slow start with the Andrews taking a 17-12 lead early in the first half, before Coach Westerlund went to his bench of DonTre Garrett, Jacob Cole and Kevin Wright which sparked the Crusaders to build a 10 point lead in the first half. GLCC was without leading scorer Elijah Kess due to a sprained ankle. The Crusaders pressure defense started to wear down the Cardinals to take a 46-39 lead at the break. 

In the second half Isiah Reed and JaQuin Jones got hot from three, raining threes from all over the gym. The Crusaders continued to pressure the Cardinals all over the court for turnovers. The Cardinals did make a run in the second half to take a two point lead with 12 minutes to go in the second half before Crusaders regained control on their way to their 6th win of the season. JaQuin Jones and Isiah Reed combined for 41 points, 11 3FGM, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and four steals.

Inside the Box Score:

• Crusaders committed just 7 turnovers a season low, while forcing 23 turnovers
• GLCC shot 12/24 from three compared to Andrews 8/22 from deep
• Crusaders shared the ball well with a season high 26 assists
• Despite the win GLCC shot an uncharacteristic 2-8 from the free throw line

What Coach Says:

"I didn't think we played our best tonight, but I am happy we were able to get a victory tonight. We had some freshmen step up tonight in a big way. Jacob Cole, Kevin Wright, and Marcus Riley all had good contributions tonight. We challenged them in practice to step up and they did today in a big way. Obviously being down an elite player like Elijah Kess we needed different guys to step up and we had guys who did." On pressure defense, "I thought our pressure looked good tonight. I believe it was the difference in the game. Jahmal Eggleston brought a ton of pressure early and it allowed our second level guys time to make reads. Pressure is who we are. We will relentlessly attack our opponent offensively and defensively." On JaQuin Jones and Isiah Reed, "This is the type of game I am accustomed to from these two. It is how they played all last year. There was a reason they were All Americans last year tonight they played at that level. I thought Trent Temple also had some good moments tonight."

What's Next:

Crusaders will travel to NAIA DI Shawnee State in Portsmouth, OH for their last game before Christmas break. Crusaders will take on Shawnee State Saturday December 14th. Tip off is scheduled for 4:00pm