LANSING, Mich. - Goshen men's basketball defeated Cleary University 69-59 on Saturday at Gannon Gymnasium. The victory marks the longest Goshen win streak since December 2018-January 2019. It is also the first time the team has won three games in a row all by ten points or more since December 6-11, 2017.
Goshen opened the first half with strong defensive plays, including multiple steals, and took an early lead with a jumper by
Marcus Northern. The Cougars responded with a fast-break three-pointer by AJ Hess at the 17:20 mark, briefly taking the lead. However, the Maple Leafs regained control with a series of successful free throws and a three-pointer by
Richard Wilson, pushing them ahead. As the half progressed, GC capitalized on Cleary's turnovers, extending their lead to 40-20 by the end of the half.
The second half saw a series of scoring runs and turnovers. Early in the half, Cleary's Jaylen Cole-Williams hit a three to open Cleary's scoring, but GC responded with
Tariq Humes converting a layup and a fast-break opportunity. Throughout the half, the Leafs'
Kevin Cota and
Tariq Humes contributed significantly with layups and free throws, helping Goshen maintain a lead. Despite Cleary's efforts to close the gap, GC held on to take their third straight win.
Tariq Humes led the team in scoring with 16 points, shooting 6-12 from the field, including 1-3 from beyond the arc. He also contributed defensively with three steals. He has scored in double figures in five of the six games this season.
Richard Wilson was a key presence on the boards, securing 11 total rebounds and adding 14 points, with efficiency from the field at 5-10 shooting. Like Humes, Wilson has also scored in double-digits in five of the six games.
Kevin Cota was effective from the free-throw line, hitting 7-8 attempts, contributing to his 11 points despite fouling out of the game.
Marcus Northern added 12 points, with a balanced effort of four baskets and three assists.
This was the first time the Leafs held an opponent under 60 points since December 20, 2021, at SAGU American Indian College. The last time the Leafs gave up 20 or fewer points in a half was on December 16, 2019, against Roosevelt.
Goshen is at Bethel on Wednesday, November 20, at 7:30 pm. Bethel is receiving votes in the NAIA coaches poll.
