Men’s Basketball Suffers Loss to Foresters

HUNTINGTON, Ind. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (14-9, 4-9) went on the road for a conference matchup at (RV) Huntington University (16-7, 8-4) on Wednesday, February 7.

The Cougars encountered difficulties from the onset, struggling to establish a rhythm on offense and defense. By halftime, MVNU found themselves trailing 52-29. The second half saw MVNU get into more of a flow as it outscored the Foresters 47-43. Unfortunately, the first half proved too much for the Cougars to overcome as it fell 95-76.

Inside the Box Score:

Huntington shot 49.3% from the floor (34-69) and 30.8% (8-26) from three.

MVNU shot 40.3% from the floor (25-62) and just 25.8% (8-31) from the three-point line on the night.

Huntington outrebounded MVNU 43-34. Each team finished with 10 offensive boards. MVNU was able to finish the night with 11 second chance points.

MVNU had 19 turnovers in the game which led to 17 points off turnovers for the hosts.

Huntington won the battle inside as it outscored MVNU in the paint 48-34.

Kade Ruegsegger – 21 points (6-13 FG, 3-9 3PT), 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal

Bailey Conrad – 15 points (6-14 FG, 1-9 3PT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals

Milton Gage – 10 points (3-5 FG, 2-2 3PT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal

Coach Ronai's Thoughts:

"Huntington is an outstanding team with two All-American guards. They hurt us early and we weren't able to fully recover. Our guys battled and cut into the lead in the second half and really showed their character. This group is going to continue to fight."

What's Next:

MVNU will be back in action on Saturday, February 10. It will be back home in Ariel Arena for a conference matchup against Bethel University at 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.