Men’s Basketball Begins Midwest Trip with Comeback Win at Judson

ELGIN, Ill. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (9-1) began its Christmas break trip through the Midwest at Judson University (2-8) on Thursday, December 14.

MVNU trailed Judson by 14 points with 6:53 left in the ballgame. The Cougars put together a furious comeback, going on a 21-5 run to close the game. Kade Ruegsegger tied the game on a layup with 1:56 left. Ruegsegger also was fouled on the play and hit the go-ahead free throw to give MVNU its first lead of the game. MVNU would hold on for the win, defeating the Eagles 84-82.

Inside the Box Score:

Judson shot 62.5% from the field and 50% (6-12) from three. MVNU shot just 33.8% in the game and 20% (8-39) from three. MVNU did get to the line frequently, hitting 86.7% (26-30) of its attempts.

MVNU's pressure defense forced 24 turnovers and scored 27 points off of them. MVNU took care of the ball, finishing with just 10 turnovers.

Ruegsegger – 27 points (9-20 FG, 3-10 3PT, 6-8 FT), 6 rebounds, 3 assists.

Trent Koning – 16 points (4-12 FG, 3-9 3PT, 5-5 FT), 3 rebounds, 3 steals.

Carter Jones – 12 points (3-8 FG, 5-5 FT), 9 rebounds.

Grant Burkholder – 11 points (5-10 FG, 1-1 FT) 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts:

"Really proud of our guys and their fight. Their unbreakable spirit really shines through. You have to find ways on the road when you're not shooting the ball well. Our guys dug in, fought themselves back, and executed down the stretch. We're looking forward to heading North to Wisconsin and getting better."

What's Next:

MVNU heads to La Crosse, Wisconsin on Saturday, December 16 for a game at Viterbo University. Tipoff is at 4:00pm EST.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,000 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.