Cougars Drop Conference Matchup at Taylor

UPLAND, Ind. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (13-8, 3-8) went on the road for a conference battle at Taylor University (9-12, 4-7) on Wednesday, January 31.

The Cougars started slow in the initial half, recording a 35.3% field goal percentage. Meanwhile, the Trojans shot a hot 54.8% from the floor and had a 23-point lead at one point. By halftime, MVNU trailed by a score of 47-31. However, the Cougars ignited a comeback in the second half, embarking on an 18-6 run. MVNU was able to narrow down the Taylor lead to just four points at 53-49 with 13:48 remaining in the contest. Despite this resurgence, Taylor regained offensive momentum, reestablishing an 11-point lead with 10:37 left. Ultimately, Taylor emerged victorious, defeating MVNU by a final score of 85-74.

Inside the Box Score:

MVNU shot 42.9% from the floor (27-63) and converted 31.0% (9-29) from the three-point line on the night

Taylor shot 55.6% from the floor (30-54) and 50.0% (14-28) from three

Taylor outrebound MVNU 36-31

MVNU had 12 assists to 9 turnovers in the game

Bailey Conrad – 16 points (6-9 FG, 1-4 3PT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal

Kade Ruegsegger – 15 points (4-12 FG, 1-6 3PT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal

Trent Koning – 13 points (4-7 FG, 3-5 3PT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

Milton Gage – 9 points (3-11 FG, 3-5 3PT), 3 rebounds, 3 assist, 2 steals

Coach Ronai's Thoughts:

"Credit to Taylor, they shot it extremely well tonight. Our group fights. Love how we battled our way back into the game. We have struggled of late but they will keep getting up off the matt and moving forward. Looking forward to getting better tomorrow."

What's Next:

MVNU continues conference play against Goshen College in Ariel Arena on Saturday, February 3. 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.