MBB knocks off #3 CU Harrodsburg in Mideast Opener

WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Men's Basketball game into the game losers of seven straight while Harrodsburg came into the game ranked #3 in the country. GLCC received votes in the first NCCAA coaches poll, the first time Crusaders had been outside the top four in Coach Richard Westerlund's tenure. The Crusaders came into this game focused and responded with great energy to start the game. The Crusaders saw the game at 12-11 when they went on their first run of the half to take control of the game. Both GLCC and CUH struggled to take care of the ball in the first half turning it over 14 and 15 times respectively. The Crusaders defense was the difference in the first half holding the Pioneers to just 27 points. The Crusaders entered the half up 46-27. 

In the second half the Crusaders came out with good energy again and saw their lead balloon to as much as 25 points. Harrodsburg would stick around getting the Crusader lead down to 17 but the Crusaders dominated start to finish. The Crusaders defense held CUH to just 41 percent shooting from the floor and 14 percent from three. Crusaders were led by TQ Belcher's 20 points and 5 rebounds, but it was a balanced attack from GLCC as six Crusaders reached double figures. The win pushes GLCC to 3-11 on the season 2-3 in NCCAA play and 1-0 in Mideast play.

Inside the Box Score:

• GLCC shot an impressive 50 percent from the floor including 38% from three (11/29)
• Crusaders forced 23 turnovers while committing 22 turnovers
• GLCC had 18 assists compared to CUH 12 assists
• Crusaders dominated three point line 11/29 compared to 3/21 for the Pioneers
• Isiah Reed chipped in a double double with 15 points 11 rebounds and 3 assists

What Coach Says:

"I am really proud of our guys response today. We have really been pushing the guys in practice, they rose to the challenge. I thought our defense was really strong. The guys really worked hard and brought great energy and competitiveness today." On balance scoring attack, "This is what I envisioned with these guys. We share the ball take open shots. Our guys did a great job finding the open man today. We were hunting for great today and I think that showed. I thought Jacob Cole and Whitney Harris were tremendous off the bench today. They took smart shots and found ways to impact and change the game." On what's next, "We have to get back into the gym and keep getting better. I am excited to keep changing our best. We play a really good Grace team on January 19th."

What's Next:

The Crusaders will take on #8 Grace Christian University on January 19th. Game time and location is TBD.