MVNU Gets Big Conference Road Win at (RV) Marian

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (13-5, 3-5) defeated (RV) Marian University (14-4, 4-4) on the road on Wednesday, January 17.

The Cougars started strong in the first half, going on an 11-2 run to start the game. MVNU controlled the first half and had its most significant lead of 15 at one point. The score going into halftime saw MVNU holding a 48-41 lead. The second half was a close all-around battle, with the Knights battling back to tie the game at 66 each. In the final 36 seconds with the score tied at 88 apiece, Kade Ruegsegger put the Cougars up with 13.6 seconds after hitting a layup. Ruegsegger was also fouled on the play and hit the free throw to put MVNU up by three. In the end, MVNU held on for a 93-90 victory.

Inside the Box Score:

MVNU shot 51.7% from the floor (31-60) and converted 41.4% (12-29) of its threes on the night.

Marian shot 51.5% from the floor (34-66) and 36.7% (11-30) from the three-point line.

MVNU had 20 assists to just 11 turnovers in the game.

MVNU outrebounded Marian 37 -27.

Bailey Conrad – 24 points (8-13 FG, 5-6 3PT), 7 rebounds, 5 assists.

Ruegsegger – 16 points (6-12 FG, 1-5 3PT), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal.

Carter Pline – 15 points (5-7 FG, 1-1 3PT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists.

Trent Koning – 14 points (3-12 FG, 1-7 3PT), 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals.

Beau Ludwick – 10 points (3-4 FG, 2-3 3PT), 4 rebounds, 2 assist, 2 steals, 1 block.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts:

"Big time effort by our group in a really tough place to play. Marian is an outstanding team with really talented guard play. We stayed the course defensively and really executed down the stretch. Excited for this group to continue to grow and get better."

What's Next:

MVNU continues conference play against No. 1 Grace College in Ariel Arena on Saturday, January 20. Tipoff 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.