BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich- The Men's Basketball team traveled to the west side of the state to take on Andrews University Cardinals, who are currently ranked #10 in the USCAA. The Cardinals defeated the Crusaders in Lansing in November 65-64. The Crusaders came out of the gates firing on all cylinders hitting their first four threes of the game. Junior Guard JaQuin Jones put the exclamation point on the hot start by throwing down a monstrous dunk over an Andrews defender. The Crusaders never looked back after that hot start. GLCC was able to build their lead against the Cardinals with their pressure defense and three point shooting. The Crusaders hit 9/19 threes in the first half led by Lance Adams 4 threes in the first half. The Crusaders took a 43-30 lead into the break.
In the second half the Crusaders jumped out the gates quick again to get their lead over the 20. Midway through the half the Cardinals showed life and were able to get the Crusaders lead to 13, but the Crusaders answered the Cardinals run with a couple big threes from Isiah Reed. GLCC's pressure defense continued to give the Cardinals offense trouble. The Crusaders forced 25 Cardinal turnovers on 18 steals. JaQuin Jones led the Crusaders with 18 points, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 3 rebounds. Isiah Reed chipped in 12 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals in the 85-64 win. The Crusaders are now 14-9 on the season. The fourteenth win ties the program record for wins in a season.
Inside the Box Score:
- Crusaders had 22 assists on 32 field goals.
- GLCC won the the three point line shooting 13/31 from three compared to the Cardinals 3/12 from three.
- GLCC bench outscored the Andrews bench 32-10
- Crusaders 13/31 from three was the best percentage (41.7) the Crusaders have shot in the New Year
- Crusaders scored over 80 points for the 12th time this season.
What Coach Says:
"I thought today we really came out focused and that showed with how we started the game. We really wanted to respond with a win against them after losing to them earlier this season. We played a really good game today, I loved the way we shared the ball today. We still have more things to clean up but we took another really positive step today. I really like where our team is at right now." On having Lance Adams back, "Lance is a big time player, anytime you can bring back an all region player in your lineup it helps. He brings something special to our lineup and that showed tonight. Lance did not miss a beat which is a big considering he has been out the last month."
What's Next:
The Men's Basketball team will travel to Manitowoc, Wisconsin to take on Silver Lake College on Friday February 1st at 8:00pm.