GALLATIN, Tenn- The Great Lakes Christian College Men's Basketball team took on #4 Johnson University TN in a rematch of last years regional championship game. The Crusaders came out the gate with a ton of energy. It was almost too much energy for the Crusaders as it allowed GLCC to come out pressing a little hard. The Royals handled the Crusaders pressure very well in the first half with just four turnovers. Foul trouble plagued the Crusaders again for the second straight day. GLCC got down big as the Royal built a 26 point lead in the first half. GLCC would go into the half with a little momentum going in down 21 points.
In the second half the Crusaders made some adjustments by going more 2-3 zone. Crusaders were stringing the stops together but it took some time for the offense to get going. The run started with 10 minutes to go with the Crusaders down 21 points. Freshman Kevin Wright was the game changer for GLCC as he had his career high 10 points and 3/3 from three. He also took a massive charge for the Crusaders to gain the momentum. Trent Temple started to get it going in the second half for the Crusaders attacking the mismatch. He led the Crusaders with 16 points and 5 rebounds. GLCC held the Royals to just four points in the final 12 minutes of the game. Crusaders pressure wore the Royals down as they forced 14 turnovers in the second half. Jalen Huff played hero again hitting a tough floater in the lane with 8.9 seconds to go to give the Crusaders the lead. Isiah Reed would hit two free throws to seal the game for GLCC and the comeback was complete! GLCC outscored the Royals 39-15 to win 63-60. The win puts the Crusaders in their second consecutive region championship.
Inside the Box Score:
- Crusaders shot just 34 percent on the game
- GLCC held the Royals to just 4/22 shooting in the second half
- Crusaders shot 13/14 from the free throw line
- GLCC outrebounded the Royals 41-39 and had 18 offensive rebounds.
- GLCC had 25 points off of turnovers to Johnson's 15.
What Coach Says:
"What a game again, wasn't it? Down 26 these guys refused to quit. Kevin Wright was special today. He was a game changer and I could not be more proud of him. He has stayed the course and came up big today. I thought in the first half we played with too much emotions for our own good and that allowed Johnson to dictate a lot. We have to stay mentally tough and not allow things outside our control affect us. We also will need to execute at a higher level than we did today, but that said I am so proud of these guys. Hungry dogs find a way and these guys continue to find ways to win games." On regional championship, "Playing Grace Christian we know what we are going to get. We have to get after it and impose our tempo on them. We have been our best when we play our style of play."
What's Next:
The Crusaders will take on Grace Christian University at 4:00pm est for the Regional Championship and the automatic bid to the NCCAA DII National Tournament.