INDIANAPOLIS - Fueled by a defensive masterpiece that held Mount Vernon Nazarene scoreless for exactly five minutes of game-time and an elite scoring performance from Taeshon Cherry, the Marian men's basketball team rolled to a controlling 95-74 victory Saturday afternoon. Marian's third consecutive victory gives them a 17-4 overall record, while improving to 7-4 in Crossroads League action.

Both Marian and Mount Vernon started the game strong on their respective offensive ends, with the Knights holding a slight 12-9 advantage as the game reached its first media timeout. Luke Gohmann found an early rhythm on the offensive end by scoring five early points in the surge, and Josh Bryan added to the scoring barrage with five quick points, returning after missing four games with an injury. Bryan's run helped grow the lead to nine, but with 12:27 the Cougars got going once again on offense with Kade Ruegsegger igniting the visitors.

Mount Vernon's 7-0 run over a two-minute stretch forced Marian to use a timeout, getting back in sync on a three-point play from Taeshon Cherry. Cherry and Hayden Langkabel carried the offense to a multiple possession lead for a five minute stretch, with a made three from Langkabel providing a seven point cushion at the 4:57 mark. Gohmann's second trifecta of the half with 3:38 to play in the first half started a dominant run, with Marian's locking down. Christian Harvey followed the trey with a steal and fast break dunk, with the senior duo of Gohmann and Langkabel helping close a 13-0 run to go into halftime. Marian forced three turnovers and three misses on Mount Vernon's final six possessions, going into the locker room on top 50-33.

The defensive pressure from Marian continued to hound Mount Vernon as the teams returned for the second half, with the Knights continue to hold the Cougars scoreless. Cherry scored the first five points of the half to swell the lead to 22, as the defense saw their five-minute, 18-0 run come to an end with Ruegsegger sinking a pair of free throws. Despite the run ending, the defense continued to make life difficult for the Cougars, forcing turnovers and contested jumpers while Cherry and Harvey shoulded the offensive load.

The lead stood at a 21-point 64-43 margin with 14:41 to play, and over the next five minutes the bench unit of Bryan and Gavin Foe helped keep a six-possession distance. Cherry began scoring at will as the clocked rolled under 10 minutes to play, growing hte lead back to 24 by scoring seven of nine Knights points. Another trifecta from Cherry, followed by a Maximus Gizzi layup and consecutive three's from Langkabel and Luke Heady put the game out of reach, as the Knights led 89-60 with 5:02 remaining. Mount Vernon was unable to get with 21 over the final five minutes of play, as Marian was able to cruise to their 95-74 win.

As a team the Knights shot 53.7 percent from the field, draining 15 shots from beyond the arc. Cherry led all scorers with a career-high 30, tying his personal best from seven days ago against the same Cougars. Langkabel scored 19 in the win sinking five shots from deep, while Harvey scored 11 to go with six assists. Gohmann scored 11 and led the Knights in rebounding with eight, while Heady tied with Harvey adding six assists to Marian's 23 team total. 

Marian will look to avenge a loss from January 4 on Wednesday night when No. 6 Grace returns to Indianapolis to complete the season series. Tip is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. from John Grimes Court, with the game aired on the ISC Sports Network. 



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