The Lynden Christian boys' basketball team nearly overcame a nine-point deficit in the second half but lost 54-51 to Santa Fe Christian during the opening game of the Christian Cup basketball tournament Thursday, Dec. 6, in Gilbert, Ariz.

The Lyncs cut Santa Fe's lead to 1 late in the game, but Santa Fe hit a key 3-pointer in the final minute. Isaac Reimer attempted a long 3 at the buzzer, but his shot missed.

Reimer led LC with a team-high 17 points and 16 rebounds, Nathan Meppelink scored 11 points and converted three 3s and Dustin Brandsma added nine points.

"I was impressed with Sante Fe," LC coach Roger DeBoer said in a phone interview. "They were athletic and shot the ball extremely well. Reimer was obviously huge. He went 17 and 16 and had four blocks and just played extremely well. I thought Meppelink shot the ball very well tonight. I was pleased with that."

Lynden Christian faces Northwest Christian at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 during day two of the Christian Cup.

SANTA FE CHRISTIAN 54, LYNDEN CHRISTIAN 51

Santa Fe Chr. 27 27 - 54

Lynden Chr. 21 30 - 51

Santa Fe Christian: Finnerty 7, Langborg 3, Bird 4, Wilkins 2 Finley 11, Corsi 27, Martin 0. Team totals: 20-52 6-13 54.

Lynden Christian: Nathan Meppelink 11, Zach Roetcisoender 0, Levi Vander Yacht 7, Truman Van Dalen 2, Daulton Hommes 5, Josh Hornstra 0, Dustin Brandsma 9, Isaac Reimer 17. Team totals: 17-38 8-12 51.

3-ptg: Santa Fe Christian 8 (Corsi 4), Lynden Christian 9 (Meppelink 3). Rebounds: Santa Fe Christian 22 (Corsi 5), Lynden Christian 39 (Reimer 16). Assists: Santa Fe Christian 10 (Langborg 5), Lynden Christian 13 (Vander Yacht 3). Fouls: Santa Fe Christian 13, Lynden Christian 16. Turnovers: Santa Fe Christian 3, Lynden Christian 14.