HARRODSBURG, Kent- The Great Lakes Christian College Crusaders came into Friday evenings game ranked #2 in the NCCAA, dropping one spot in the rankings. The blue and white had been struggling winning just one game in their last six. The Crusader took on a Campbellsville Harrodsburg team that they beat a week prior by 10 points in Lansing. The second matchup between the Pioneers and the Crusaders turned out to be a dog fight. The Pioneers refused to back down from the Crusaders controlling a highly contested first half, building their lead as big as 10 points in the first half. GLCC used a quick run to close the half cutting the Pioneer lead to four entering the break down 31-27. GLCC found a lot of success in their pressure defense forcing multiple shot clock and ten second violations in the game.
In the second half the Crusaders started slow, but gained their footing. JaQuin Jones and Isiah Reed led the Crusader charge as the GLCC defense would turn into offense. Jones would lead the Crusaders in scoring with a season high 25 points on 9/13 shooting and Isiah Reed chipped in 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Crusaders unselfish attack helped GLCC take control of the game with 8 minutes to go, and at the 4 minute mark a JaQuin Jones layup but the Crusaders up 8 and GLCC never looked back. GLCC would move on to win 75-67 over the Pioneers from CU Harrodsburg.
Inside the Box Score:
- Crusaders forced 25 turnovers compared to committing just 14.
- GLCC shot 67 shots compared to CUH 48 shots
- GLCC went 16/20 from the free throw line in the win
- Great Lakes is 18-3 in their last 21 NCCAA games.
What Coach Says:
"What a gritty road win for our program. Coach Sparrow is doing a tremendous job at Harrodsburg, his team does a lot of things well and are very hard to guard. We started slow and were not our best offensively, but our defense once again gave us a chance to win the game. Forcing 25 turnovers and out shooting our opponent by 19 was huge in our win. I thought a lot of guys stepped up tonight to help get us a big road win tonight in region." On JaQuin Jones, "JaQuin has really played well in the second semester for us. He is really finding his stride and I am excited obviously because I think Jay is one of the best guards in the entire country. Tonight he really showed that, so I was really happy for Jay."
What's Next:
Crusaders will continue their run of NCCAA competition as they take on Mideast Region opponent Welch College on Saturday January 25th in Galatin, TN.