Winning Streak Snapped with Conference Loss to Huntington

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (12-2, 2-2) hosted Huntington University (9-5, 2-2) in Ariel Arena on Wednesday, January 3.

The game remained closely contested throughout the night, with the Cougars trailing the Foresters 54-52 at halftime. MVNU came out strong in the second half, scoring the first six points to claim a 58-54 lead. The Foresters responded with a 15-0 run to seize control of the game. While MVNU fought until the end and pulled the game to 81-78 with 7:09 left, it was unable to get any closer. MVNU fell by a final of 95-90, snapping its eight game winning streak.

Inside the Box Score:

MVNU shot 53.8% from the floor and converted 41.9% (13-31) of its threes on the night.

Huntington shot 53.3% from the floor and 50.0% (8-16) from the three-point line in the shootout.

MVNU had 19 assists to just 13 turnovers in the game.

Huntington scored 21 points off the MVNU turnovers.

MVNU outrebounded the guests 34-28.

Beau Ludwick – 27 points (11-15 FG, 4-7 3PT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist.

Kade Ruegsegger – 22 points (8-15 FG, 3-8 3PT), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block.

Trent Koning – 15 points (5-12 FG, 3-8 3PT), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals.

Bailey Conrad – 10 points (4-8 FG, 1-3 3PT), 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts:

"So much to learn and grow from tonight. Huntington is an outstanding team with a veteran backcourt that made really tough shots in big moments. Excited to grow from tonight and get better tomorrow."

What's Next:

MVNU will be back in action on Saturday, January 6. It will be on the road for a conference matchup at Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana. Tip-off is set for 3:00pm.

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.