Cougars Fall to SMWC in Homecoming Classic Finale

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. —  The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (2-1) concluded the Homecoming Classic Weekend by facing Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (2-2) on Saturday, November 9, in Ariel Arena.

In the first half, MVNU and SMWC remained in a close contest, tied at 21-21 at the 8:37 mark. However, MVNU couldn't find its rythm offensively afterward, allowing SMWC to go on a significant run, building a lead of up to 15 points. The halftime score stood at SMWC 39 to MVNU 27.

At the start of the second half, SMWC surged with an 8-0 run, extending its lead to 47-27. MVNU responded with a series of strong defensive stops and a layup from Milton Gage, narrowing the gap to 49-36 at the 12:50 mark. The Cougars continued to battle throughout the second half but couldn't close the gap, ultimately falling to SMWC with a final score of 80-57.

Inside the Box Score:

MVNU converted just 37.0% of its field goal attempts and was 4-20 from three.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods shot 50% from the field and made 33.3% of its three-pointers, sinking 6-18.

SMWC held the paint advantage, outscoring MVNU 38-24. The guests capitalized on the Cougars' 15 turnovers, turning them into 15 points.

SMWC had 10 offensive rebounds which turned into 17 second chance points.

Trent Koning – 16 points (4-11 FG, 1-5 3PT, 7-9 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist.

Peyton Heiss – 10 points (2-7 FG, 1-3 3PT, 5-6 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists.

Bailey Conrad – 6 points (3-10 FG), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block.

Gage – 5 points (2-8 FG, 1-4 3PT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist.

Carter Jones – 5 points (2-5 FG, 1-2 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 1 assist.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts:

"Saint Mary's of the Woods is a terrific team and they played great today. Hats off to them. Our young group will learn and grow from today. Excited to get better Monday. "

What's Next:

Men's basketball will head out for its first road trip of the season on Friday, November 15, to compete in the JBA Classic. The Cougars will face off against the University of Michigan-Dearborn at 7:30 p.m. in the Garth Pleasant Arena in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

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 2,100 students from 22 states and 21 foreign countries.