No.1 Grace College too Much for MVNU

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio– The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (13-6, 3-6) fell to No. 1 Grace College (Ind.) (18-0, 8-0) on Saturday, January 20 in Ariel Arena.

Grace controlled the game from the start and did not trail in the 40 minutes of play. Grace shot a blistering 76.7% in the first half, but MVNU remained within striking distance as it only trailed 54-39 at the break. MVNU showed fight against the best team in the nation as it cut the lead to single digits at 65-56 with 15:19 remaining. The Cougars could not get any closer unfortunately against the Lancers and would fall by a final of 98-79.

Inside the Box Score:

MVNU shot 40.6% from the floor (26-64) and converted 32.4% (12-37) of its threes on the night.

Grace shot 61.7% from the floor (37-60) for the game and hit 37.5% (6-16) of its threes.

MVNU forced 14 turnovers against Grace. Leading to score 17 points off the turnovers.

Grace dominated the paint, scoring 56 points to MVNU's 18.

Grace outrebounded MVNU 47 to 20.

Bailey Conrad – 18 points (6-10 FG, 3-6 3PT), 4 rebounds, 1 block.

Beau Ludwick – 15 points (5-7 FG, 2-4 3PT), 2 rebounds, 1 steal.

Trent Koning – 12 points (3-9 FG, 2-6 3PT), 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 rebound.

Grant Burkholder – 11 points (4-9 FG), 3 rebounds, 2 assist, 1 steal.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts:

"Hats off to Grace. They're a veteran team with really unique skill sets that causes a lot of issues on both ends of the floor. Lots to learn and grow from today and we're looking forward to getting better next week."

What's Next:

MVNU will play on Saturday, January 27 in a conference matchup at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. Tipoff is set for 3:00 pm.

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.