MBB Comeback Falls Short versus Spring Arbor

SPRING ARBOR, Mich. - The Great Lakes Christian College Crusaders traveled to Spring Arbor for an 11am tip off for the Cougars Education game. The gym was packed with 1300 school students there to support the Cougars. The Crusaders came out the gate and took control of the game early building a small lead over the Cougars. GLCC pressure defense gave the Cougars fits in the first half as GLCC built their lead as large as five in the 1st half, but the Cougars made a late run and capitalized on Crusaders mistakes to take a slim two point lead into the second half.

In the second half Spring Arbor built a small lead but the Crusaders stayed close enough to touch much of the game until 8 minutes left in the second half the Cougars went on a run to build their lead to 15 points, with four minutes to go the lead still stood at 15 points when Coach Westerlund called a timeout to try and make some adjustments. GLCC pressure turned up in hopes of speeding up the Cougars. GLCC was able to go on a run to cut the lead to five with 30 seconds to go, and Crusaders pressure forced another turnover under the basket with a chance at layup to make the lead just three points but unfortunately the Crusader could not convert. GLCC refused to go down without a fight and lost by 2. Kylan Shipp led all scorers with 30 points on 9/18 shooting 10/12 from the free throw line.

Inside the Box Score:

• The Crusaders forced 25 tunovers and only committed 10.
• The Crusaders got 76 shots compared to Spring Arbors 59
• GLCC went 11/15 from the free throw line compared to SAU 21/31
• SAU shot 12/26 from three compared to GLCC 8/24

What Coach Says:

"We are close, but it takes what it takes and ultimately we had some positives today particularly with our pressure defense, but we need to be more detailed oriented within our scouting report. We had SAU on the ropes multiple times but our lack of attention to detail cost us today. We are getting better there is no doubt about that. We know it is a process. I believe in this group. We knew our schedule was going to challenge us. I love what the adversity is doing to our team and how it is revealing where we need to continue to grow."