GOSHEN, Ind. - The men's basketball team started off the 2025 season with a win, taking down Grace Christian 93-73 at home on Wednesday night. Four scored in double figures for the Maple Leafs as head coach
Dwight Gingerich made his return after serving as interim head coach during the 2000-01 season.
The win marked Goshen's first victory in a season opener since 2021 and their largest margin of victory in any game since December 10, 2022. Gingerich's most recent win as head coach of the Maple Leafs came on February 17, 2001, when Goshen scored 93 points as well, against Grace College.
The majority of Goshen's lead was established in the first five minutes of the game. GC quickly built a 12-0 lead with seven early points from
Kevin Cota. The lead got as high as 19 with 11:34 to go in the half and was at 19 at the break. The second half was more balanced, with Goshen outscoring the Tigers by one.
Cota made seven of his eight field goal attempts, finishing with 16 points as Goshen's leading scorer. The 16 points are the second-most in his career and his 87.5% shooting percentage was the best shooting night he's ever had on five or more attempts.
The Maple Leafs combined to make seven of their 12 three-point attempts. The 58.3% three-point percentage was Goshen's best since October 30, 2021 against Graceland.
Kamren Williams, a junior transfer from East Los Angeles College, sank all three of his attempts from behind the arc. He was also 5-6 at the free-throw line, finishing with 14 points.
Goshen allowed the fewest points to an opponent since November 16 last year against Cleary. Grace Christian shot 41% from the field and 24% from deep.
Tyrelle Hunt had 15 points, six rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
Marcus Northern added 13 points and a career-high four steals.
Kenny May scored eight points, matching his total in last season's final game. 16 of his 22 career points have come in his last two games.
Braden Allen had four assists, which set a career-high. He never had more than two in a game a season ago.
Goshen hosts the University of Northwestern Ohio on Saturday, November 1, at 7:00 pm.
