UPLAND, Ind.- Men's Basketball traveled to Taylor University for their first road game of the year. The Crusaders came out firing on all cylinders keeping the Trojans at bay building a lead and holding the lead through the first ten minutes of the contest. Foul trouble hurt the Crusaders midway through and the Trojans capitalized in the final three minutes with a 13-6 run to take a 41-32 lead at the half. In the second half the Trojans slowly built their lead and led by as much as 20 with 8 minutes to go. GLCC refused to go away and used their signature pressure defense to disrupt the flow of Taylor and cut the lead down to 10 with three minutes to go in the second half but could not get any closer as the Crusaders would fall 95-83. Elijah Kess led the four Crusaders in double figures with 20 points.
Inside the Box Score:
- The Crusaders forced Taylor in 23 turnovers while only committing 14.
- Taylor dominated the glass 41-23
- GLCC shot 47 percent from the floor while Taylor was a blistering 57 percent from the floor.
- Taylor held the edge 23-22 in the hustle points (2nd chance and fast break points)
What Coach Says:
"We definitely took a step in the right direction today, it wasn't the result we wanted, but we played a lot better today. We haven't pieced it all together yet, but I was proud of our effort. We need to iron out some things offensively and defensively and we will." On the press, "I think we did a great job in our pressure system. We have to do better in some back pursuit things, but to force 23 turnovers on a senior laden backcourt I think is great. We have to finish some possessions on misses and get tougher on the boards, but our press itself I liked a lot."
What's Next:
Crusaders will host #4 William Penn University Saturday at 4:00 pm in the Doty Center.