GOSHEN, Ind. - Goshen tied a season-high with 15 made three-pointers, but Mount Vernon Nazarene defeated GC 97-69 on Wednesday night after a 16-0 run after the teams were tied 56-56. Jacob Carlson, Jacob Eyler, Saiveon Williams and JP Jabbour were recognized for Senior Night. Carlson, Eyler and Williams combined to score 46 points while Marcus Northern surpassed 1,000 points for his career.

Goshen's first bucket of the game was a three from Jacob Eyler, and he made three more of them later in the first half. The largest lead for the Maple Leafs was ten, when they held a 40-30 advantage. When the teams were tied 56-56 in the second half, Mount Vernon went on a 16-0 run. The Leafs on the other hand made one field goal in a span of more than nine minutes. Goshen cut the deficit to 11 before the Cougars ran away with a 28-point win.

With 13 points, Marcus Northern became the 30th member of the 1,000 point club. He now sits at 1,007 points, the 29th-most in the team's history. Jacob Carlson had 19 points. He had 28 points on the road at MVNU last month. These two games are his two highest point totals this season. 12 of his 44 made threes this season came against Mount Vernon. He played 27 minutes, tying a career-high.

Jacob Eyler's previous game-high in points was five, but he totaled 12 in this contest. He had made three three-pointers all season but made four tonight alone - all in one half. He had three three-pointers all of last season. Saiveon Williams had a career-high of 15 points and tied a career-high with three threes made.

Goshen is at #2 Grace on Saturday, February 21, at 3:00 pm.

Here is what was said about the seniors during the Senior Night recognition after the game:

Now we'll move on to the men's basketball seniors.

The first to be recognized is #5, Jacob Carlson! Jacob is being escorted by his parents Renee and John Carlson, his brother Jonathan Carlson and his girlfriend Jada Ross. He is a business administration major with a future goal of being successful.

Coach Gingerich says, "We are glad Jacob decided to return for his senior season, after initially planning not to come back. Jacob brings passion, humor, skill and a high basketball IQ to our team. He is able to keep things light and at the same time is willing to work extremely hard. Jacob gives our team a threat from distance, a strong understanding of the game in general, and has also been a physical presence for us."

Thank you, Jacob!

Our second senior is #2, Jake Eyler! Jake is being escorted by his father Phil Eyler. He is an exercise science major and his future plans are to become a basketball coach or sports trainer. 

Coach Gingerich says, "Jake is the consummate team player, willing to do whatever is needed for the team. He brings it every day in practice, is positive and practices and plays with great effort all the time. Jake can shoot it and relishes playing the role of the opponent's best shooter in our game prep. He does not take a play off and is always willing to do what is asked of him. Jake is kind with an absolutely great heart. It has been a joy to have Jake on our team." 

Thank you, Jake!

Next up is #1, Saiveon Williams! Saiveon is being escorted by his mother Tiffani Robinson and his aunt Tara Robinson. He is a business major, and after getting his degree, he plans to work in an organization that allows him to develop more knowledge regarding finances and grow his educational experiences with various certifications. He also hopes to one day be able to coach and give back to the game of basketball.

Coach Gingerich says, "Saiveon has made great strides for us this season. The loose ball he recovered late in the game in our win over Taylor remains a highlight, as he gave his body up for the team. Saiveon has great instincts, he is a strong rebounder, a scoring threat and a very unselfish player, demonstrated by his game-winning assist in our game against Marian. Saiveon is a kind soul, he keeps things light, and he clearly cares for others. Saiveon, you have stuck with it through thick and thin." 

Thank you, Saiveon!

Last but not least is JP Jabbour! JP is being escorted by his team. He is a kinesiology/exercise science major on the pre-med track. His future plans are to go to school to be a doctor in physical therapy, starting grad school this summer, and specializing in sports performance and building a performance-focused practice that combines movement science, strength training and rehabilitation.

Coach Gingerich says "JP has been a delight, he is loved by our guys. He brought it every day in practice and always lifted our spirits as a team. JP had to recently step away from the team to earn money to help pay for his father's cancer surgery back home in his native Lebanon. JP is not afraid of hard work and is clearly selfless, as demonstrated by the role he's played on our team, along with now being there for his father and family."

Thank you, JP!

May God bless each of you as you wrap up and then move on from your Goshen College experience. You are loved and you are always welcome back! Now, please help me give a round of applause to your 2026 basketball seniors!