DEC. 19 — Goshen narrowly defeats Brescia University

Kyle Laker, Errick McCollum play key roles for the Leafs

(Box Score) GOSHEN, Ind. – The Goshen College Maple Leafs got all they could handle Wednesday night as the played against a tenacious Brescia University Bearcats squad. Kyle Laker proved to be the defensive hero as he blocked two shots in the final five seconds to preserve a 71-70 lead, a score that was the final outcome and moved Goshen to a record of 12-2 on the season.

After jumping to a 10-3 advantage to begin the first half, the Maple Leafs looked to be in control as Brescia struggled to get set offensively. That didn't last long, however, as the Bearcats shooters started to heat up and chipped away at the deficit.

As the intensity picked up, Goshen remained in control of the scoreboard until late in the half. With three minutes remaining, Bresica pulled within two points following four consecutive free throw attempts given to Andrew Howard as a result of a double technical foul call on the Maple Leafs. Howard made all four attempts and the momentum of the half began to shift in favor of the Bearcats.

From this point, neither team was able to take a substantial lead until the last minute of the half when Brescia's Andrew Howard converted on a jump shot attempt, which was followed by a steal as the Maple Leafs were bringing the ball back to their end, and then capped off with a three-point attempt from Howard to put the Bearcats up by a 35-31 margin going into the half.

After shooting 37% from the field during the first half, Goshen came out of the break looking to improve shot selection and minimize touches of Bresica's leading scorer Andrew Howard.

Initially, this strategy did not pay dividends for the Maple Leafs as the momentum remained on the Bearcats' end and the deficit grew to as many as eight points in the opening five minutes. But the continued defensive pressure and an improved shooting effort kept Goshen within striking distance, never allowing the lead to grow into double digits, and set the stage for a thrilling finish.

The final five minutes began with the Maple Leafs pulling within two points of the Bearcats, posting a score of 61-63. From this point there were three ties and three lead changes with Goshen holding on, winning by a score of 71-70.

About the final minutes, Goshen head coach Gary Chupp said, "This was another game in which we didn't play our best basketball, yet found a way to win another close one. Down nine with eight minutes left, we were finally able to string together some good offensive possessions to climb back in it. I was pleased that we were able to get two big defensive stops when we had to at the end of the game, including a blocked shot from Kyle Laker at the buzzer."

Despite an improved shooting effort from the field, making 63.6%, Chupp also said, "Offensively, this was one of our worst performances in terms of movement and shot selection, but (Errick) McCollum and (Brice) Hartman stepped up in the last couple of minutes, repeatedly getting to the line to keep us within striking distance."

In a continuing trend, Errick McCollum again finished as the game's leading scorer with 25 points. The next closest Maple Leaf was Brice Hartman with 19, and then Nate West, who finished with 16 points. For Brescia, Andrew Howard led the team in scoring with 20 points.

Also of note for the Maple Leafs was the play of junior Kyle Laker, who was on the floor for 17 minutes and made some key defensive plays to help preserve the win. His biggest contribution came in the final minute when he blocked two shots, with one of them coming on the final play of the game as Brescia's Doug Denon was attempting a layup to win the game in the final second.

Goshen players can now look forward to a short break for the holidays, which should provide some well needed rest as coach Chupp noted, "Our guys now have a week off to head home for the holidays, and it couldn't have come at a better time. I am sure they are tired of beating up on each other every day in practice. We are certainly pleased to be 12-2, but also realize that our quality of basketball has to improve as we head into MCC play after the break."

The Maple Leafs return to action on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 3 p.m. (CST). They will go on the road to face the Trinity Christian College Trolls of Palos Heights, Ill. Following their trip to Trinity Christian College, the Maple Leafs will return home to face Spring Arbor University on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 7 p.m.

Click Here For Complete 2007-2008 Season News

Junior Bryce Bow