BRYN ATHYN, Pa. - In what was the the first matchup of twin brothers coaching against each other in college basketball history with Coach Sean Westerlund leading Bryn Athyn and his identical twin brother Richard Westerlund leading the Crusaders, the visiting Great Lakes Christian College (MI) got the best of the Lions 90-85 in a back and forth game.

Inside the box score

• Lions had five players in double figures with two freshman, Jamal Cannady Jr. and Noah Riley leading the way
• Cannady Jr. netted 21 points and added 8 rebounds and 7 assists
• Riley had a career high 18 points and swiped 4 steals
• Junior Jaryn McCann had another double double with 15 points and 12 rebounds
• Junior, Anthony Burr contributed 12 points and 6 assists

How it happened

• Great Lakes Christian, ranked #1 in the country for NCCAA Division II, jumped out to a 15-6 lead off of three three-point field goals
• Bryn Athyn called a timeout and made adjustments to go on a 16-3 run to take a 22-18 lead over GLCC with 6:47 left in the half
• Great Lakes would answer with a quick 9-1 run over three minutes of game time to take a 27-23 lead
• Cannady Jr. would stem the run with a driving layup to bring the Lions within two. 
• Isaiah Reed would net back to back three pointers for the Crusaders to stretch the lead to 33-27
• Lions would finish the half with a big three as the clock expired from Isaiah Cureton to be down 35-32 at the break
• Bryn Athyn would open the second half with a thunderous dunk from McCann off a pass from Burr.
• Both teams would trade punches over the opening 10 minutes of the second half with neither team gaining more than two points of separation
• Great Lakes would make a big run stretching their lead to 15 over the next four minutes with many transition three pointers
• Bryn Athyn would slowly chip away the lead and cut the score to 89-85 off a steal and corner three from Riley
• GLCC would seal the game at the free throw line and win 90-85 over the Lions

Coach's Corner
"I am very proud of how we competed. This was the best and most talented team on our schedule, and we traded blows with them and had chances to win a game against a national power," Coach Sean Westerlund said. "I thought we played some really good offense. They made us pay off every one of our mistakes and in transition, and their level of shot making is just not something we have seen. Noah Riley was absolutely amazing. His grittiness is something that gives our team life. He was due for a big day and I am thrilled for him."

On coaching against his twin brother:
"It was a really special day and moment for my brother and I. It is something I will always cherish and remember. Being the first twins to coach against one another in college basketball history is something to soak in. Life does not give these moments often. I am grateful for the paltform our instutitions give us to live our why's," Westerlund said. 

Notes

• Lions continue their streak of good offense shooting 50% from the field and 37.5% from three
• Bryn Athyn logged 21 assists in the game which is a season high
• Bryn Athyn drops to 5-16 on the year

Up Next
Bryn Athyn travels to Clarks Summit on Wednesday February 9 for a 7 PM tip off.