Cougars Keep Hot Streak Alive with Win Over Bears

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (12-1) defeated Shawnee State University (7-5) 108-74 on Saturday, December 30. 

MVNU controlled a great majority of the game as it did not trail for the final 37 minutes after taking a 6-5 lead. The win was MVNU's eighth victory in a row on the season.

Inside the Box Score: 

MVNU shot a hot 58.1% from the floor, and 43.3% (13-30) from three.

MVNU forced 15 turnovers which led to 20 points. The Cougars took care of the basketball, finishing with just 7 turnovers.

The Cougars shared the basketball extremely well, finishing with 25 assists.

MVNU outrebounded the Bears 35-32.

Kade Ruegsegger – 25 points (11-16 FG, 2-6 3PT), 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals.

Bailey Conrad – 18 points (6-10 FG, 2-2 FT, 4-8 3PT), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals. 

Trent Koning – 15 points (4-10 FG, 6-7 FT), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals.  

Grant Burkholder – 11 points (5-7 FG, 1-2 3PT), 2 rebounds, 2 assists.

Beau Ludwick – 11 points (5-8 FG, 1-4 3PT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals. 

Coach Ronai's Thoughts:

"Our pace on both ends were really good today. We really shared it and found great looks consistently throughout the game. Shawnee is an extremely athletic team and they force you to do certain things and I thought our guys countered those areas well. It was a good way to finish 2023 well and we're looking forward to getting better in 2024."

What's Next:

MVNU resumes conference play against Huntington University in Ariel Arena on Wednesday, January 3. Tipoff is set for 7:00pm. 

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.