ANGOLA, Ind- The Great Lakes Christian College Men's Basketball was back on the road Wednesday evening to take on Trine University Thunder. The Thunder came into the game 4-1, while the Crusaders came into the game 7-5. The game was back and forth for much of it in the first half, but the Thunder held the lead for all but two minutes in the first half. GLCC was led by Basit Seidu's 12 points in the first half. The Crusaders were uncharacteristically sloppy in the first half, turning it over 9 times. The Thunder were able to make the Crusaders pay for their mistakes scoring 8 points off their turnovers. Despite forcing nine turnovers Trine held a narrow 37-32 lead after one half.
In the second half the game continued to be close for the majority of the half. The Thunder's lead would not grow more than ten points, and the Crusaders would keep it close cutting the lead to less than three points multiple times. Ja'Quin Jones led the offensive charge for the Crusaders in the second half. He led all Crusaders with 17 points. The Thunder were able to build their lead to ten with five minutes to go. The Crusaders switched their defense, and was able to get the Thunder to miss but were unable to finish the possessions with rebounds they needed. The Thunder would ultimately win 78-67.
Inside the Box Score:
- The Crusaders were out rebounded 46-35.
- For only the third time this season the Crusaders hit less than ten threes in the game.
- GLCC is 0-5 this season scoring less than 70 points this season
- Basit Seidu had his first career double double of this career with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
- The Crusaders had 17 turnovers compared to the Thunder's 11 turnovers.
What Coach Says:
"We were right there tonight, we had opportunities to win this game, and unfortunately we did not make enough plays down the stretch. We got the first shot misses we needed, but we have to be tougher to finish those possessions. We also have to value the basketball better. We are not a team that typically turns the ball over, and 17 turnovers are just entirely too many turnovers to win a ball game. We are a good team, but our execution down the stretch was not where it needed to be tonight." On Basit Seidu, "Basit has the chance to be really special. He has to continue to get in better shape, but we saw a real glimpse of how special he can be tonight. He was dominant at times tonight. I was really pleased with how he played. He is a real game changer."
What's Next:
The Crusaders are back in action Thursday December 13th at 7pm to take on Holy Cross College (IN) at home. This will be the Crusaders final home game of the first semester.