GOSHEN, Ind. – Northwestern Ohio came to Goshen and took a win back home with them on Tuesday night. The Racers won a defensive affair, 47-44.
The Maple Leafs held a 13-10 lead after the first quarter by knocking down a couple of three-pointers. In the second quarter, the teams combined for just 15 points. Goshen maintained a narrow 20-18 edge as they went into the locker rooms at the half.
The offense didn't improve much for either side in the second half. However, UNOH hit their first three-pointer and free throws of the game among five other baskets to take a two-point lead going into the final quarter. The Maple Leafs forced the Racers to shoot just 31% in the fourth quarter, but Goshen could manage just 33% from the field on their own. Northwestern Ohio only made the one three-pointer the entire game.
Goshen led 42-41 once TaNiece Chapman made a free throw with 2:51 to go in the game. That score stayed the same until Jada Haines scored for UNOH with under a minute to go.
Graysen Cockerham immediately answered with a bucket and Goshen retook the lead. The offense suddenly appeared, and Gemma Ruiz Garcia added a basket with just 12 seconds to go and the Racers had the lead again. After a timeout by both teams, Goshen had a chance to swing the game their way yet again, but a turnover forced Goshen to foul. Erin Scott made two free throws and Northwestern Ohio (1-2) left on top – 47-44.
Chapman neared a double-double with nine points and ten rebounds. Cockerham also scored nine points in addition to three rebounds and three assists. From the bench,
Kiarah Copeland,
Janara Flowers,
Zoe Zellers, and
Emme Boots all added to the offensive production. However, Goshen was just 9-20 from the free-throw line which ended up costing them in the end.
This was the first home loss for the Maple Leafs (3-2) this season. They will look to put this defeat behind them as they face off against Indiana University-Kokomo on Saturday, November 13 on the road. The game will start at 1:00 pm. The next home game for Goshen is on Saturday, November 20 at 1:00 pm against Saint Francis (Ind.). That will be the first game of Crossroads League action.
