Men’s Basketball Falls to Saint Francis

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (14-11, 4-11) went on the road for another conference matchup at the University of Saint Francis (13-12, 5-9) on Wednesday, February 14.

Saint Francis' offense came out strong, opening with a 16-5 run to kick-start the first half against MVNU. However, MVNU fought back and got its offense going, narrowing the score to 26-27 with 8:14 remaining in the first half. Despite the push from MVNU, Saint Francis managed to regain momentum, securing a nine-point lead as it headed into halftime up 45-36.

In the second half, Saint Francis extended its lead to 13 points. MVNU found its rhythm offensively from beyond the arc and narrowed the deficit to just one point with 14:19 left in the game. Saint Francis regained control as it stretched the lead back to 11 points with 5:46 remaining. Ultimately, MVNU fell to the hosts by a final score of 99-90.

Inside the Box Score:

MVNU shot 41.7% from the floor and converted 32.6% (14-43) from the three-point line on the night.

Saint Francis shot a hot 56.9% from the floor and converted 50.0% (12-24) from the three-point line.

MVNU did an excellent job of taking care of the ball, finishing with 16 assists to just 5 turnovers.

Saint Francis outrebounded MVNU 43-22.

Saint Francis had 19 turnovers in the game, leading to 21 points for MVNU.

Trent Koning – 19 points (6-13 FG, 4-8 3PT), 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 rebound

Kade Ruegsegger – 18 points (6-12 FG, 3-8 3PT), 3 steals and 2 rebounds

Carter Pline – 14 points (4-9 FG, 1-3 3PT), 6 rebounds and 4 assists

Bailey Conrad – 13 points (5-12 FG, 3-8 3PT), 3 rebounds and 3 assists

Milton Gage – 11 points (3-7 FG, 2-4 3PT), 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal

Coach Ronai's Thoughts:

"Really loved our fight, but we couldn't quite get over the hump. The pace of the game was our style and we did a lot of good things. We still have some fight in us. Looking forward to getting better tomorrow."

What's Next:

MVNU men's basketball will be back in action on Saturday, February 17. It takes on No.6 Indiana Wesleyan University in Ariel Arena. 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.