Basketball Game Preview: First Baptist Crusaders vs. Immanuel Lutheran Trojans

The First Baptist Crusaders will challenge the Immanuel Lutheran Trojans at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday. First Baptist's defense has only allowed 28.6 points per game this season, so Immanuel Lutheran's offense will have their work cut out for them.

On Friday, First Baptist was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 44-38 to Community Christian. The Crusaders haven't had much luck with Community Christian recently, as the team has come up short the last four times they've met.

Lydia Wynja

Rebounds

02/28/25 vs Community Christian	12
02/27/25 vs Woodcrest Baptist Academy	15
02/17/25 @ Community Christian	11
02/11/25 vs Fourth Baptist Christian	17
02/10/25 vs Liberty Christian	14
+ 5 more games

Despite the defeat, First Baptist got top-tier performance from Lydia Wynja, who dropped a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Wynja has been hot for a while, having posted eight or more boards the last ten times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Keira Wynja, who posted eight points and nine rebounds.

Even though they lost, First Baptist smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards every time they've taken the court this season.

Meanwhile, Immanuel Lutheran took care of business in their home opener (and then some) back in January. They claimed a resounding 70-42 win over Lake Region Christian. The Trojans' offense checked out after the first half but had enough points banked to take the game anyway.

First Baptist's loss dropped their record down to 21-6. As for Immanuel Lutheran, their victory bumped their record up to 1-0.