Men's Basketball Stumbles in Season Opener

LANSING, MICH.- The Great Lakes Christian College Men's Basketball team opened the season with a tough 81-77 loss to Asbury University at home in the Doty Center. The home team started slow but started to find their groove midway through the first half to take a three point lead, but the Eagles from Asbury responded well to take a 46-36 lead into the the halftime break. The Asbury zone stifled the Crusaders for much of the game. The Eagles were able to build their lead as large as 18 points. Coach Richard Westerlund went to his bench to find a spark, and found that spark in Freshman guard Jacob Cole who hit two quick threes to spark the Crusader comeback. GLCC used their patented pressure system to battle their way back and cut the lead to as small as two points and had a chance. The Crusaders thought they forced a very crucial turnovers when they were whistled for a tough foul call on the baseline. Asbury calmly knocked in one of two free throws to put the game away. The Crusaders were led by Isiah Reed's 15 points 5 rebounds and 5 steals. Trent Temple also chipped in 15 points. Senior Guard Ja'Quin Jones also had a highlight of the day surpassing the 1000 point mark late in the second half.

Inside the Box Score:

• The Crusaders were held to just 40 percent shooting including only 29 percent from three.
• GLCC did a good shop sharing the ball dishing out 17 assists while Asbury dished out just 11.
• Great Lakes also forced 18 turnovers compared to committing only 12.
• The Eagles from Asbury dominated the glass 41-24

What Coach Says:

"I am disappointed in our execution today. I was really proud of our effort the last ten minutes to get back into the game, but our overall execution of our gameplan offensively and defensively was poor. We have some work to do. This team is unquestionably talented, but we are obviously still figuring out who we are. I believe we need a better sense of urgency to start the game and the half." On Asbury, "I give Asbury a lot of credit. They were playing on a back to back which is never easy. They came in focused and did a great job keeping us on our heels offensively. Coach Shouse always does a great job, and they were better than us today. They earned that W." On Ja'Quin Jones getting his 1000th point, "If you ask Jay he would say he would have rather had the win, but it is a big accomplishment nonetheless. I am proud of him, and happy he knocked this goal off his list. I am excited to see where he goes from here."

What's Next:

Crusaders will travel on the road to Upland, Indiana, Tuesday the 29th to take on Taylor University. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00pm.