The Lynden Christian boys' basketball team held off a huge rally from visiting Meridian and won 64-61 in Northwest Conference action Thursday, Jan. 24.

The Lyncs won despite the Trojans coming back from 17 points down in the third quarter and Meridian rimming a potential game-tying 3-pointer off the basket at the buzzer.

"It was a thriller," Lynden Christian coach Roger DeBoer said in a phone interview. "I give Meridian a lot of credit. They showed a lot of credit and heart coming back."

The Lyncs were able to hold on after going to the three throw line 39 times and converting on 30 of them. Nathan Meppelink, who scored 16 points for the Lyncs, was 10 for 10 from the free throw line.

"I was really proud of the job we did hitting free throws," DeBoer said.

Dustin Brandsma scored 15 points for the Lyncs while teammate Isaac Reimer had 12 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks.

Meridian was led by Alijah Garcia who scored 22 points and Edward Garcia who had 15 points.

LYNDEN CHRISTIAN 64, MERIDIAN 61

Meridian 11 8 20 22 - 61

Lynden Christian 17 15 15 17 - 64

Meridian: Alijah Garcia 22, Trevin Todd 1, Jacob Plagerman, Kelby Todd 1, Edward Garcia 15, Patrick Carlson 5, Blake Briones 6, Chad Richter 7, Logan Carlson 4. Team totals: 25-68 14-26 61.

Lynden Christian: Nathan Meppelink 16, Zach Roetcisoender 2, Levi Vander Yacht, Truman Van Dalen 7, Daulton Hommes 9, Grant Wolffis 2, Dustin Brandsma 15, Willy Scholten 1, Isaac Reimer 12. Team totals: 18-44 30-39 64.

3-ptg: Meridian 5 (A. Garcia 3), LC 2. Rebounds: Meridian 27 (L. Carlson 10), LC 37 (Reimer 17). Assists: Meridian 12 (E. Garcia 5), LC 11 (Van Dalen 5). Fouls: Meridian 26 (L. Carlson, Briones), LC 25. Turnovers: Meridian 11, LC 18.