Cougars Fall at the Final Buzzer to (RV) Rochester

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. —  The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (3-2) concluded the JBA Classic on Saturday, November 16 against (RV) Rochester Christian University (5-0).

MVNU trailed 27-34 heading into halftime against the hosts. The Cougars made great halftime adjustments and opened the second half with a 12-0 run, taking a 39-34 lead with 16:20 to play.

MVNU continued to extend its lead in the second half, building a 61-47 advantage with 9:11 left on the clock. A 7-0 run got Rochester back into the game before Trent Koning's three put MVNU back up nine (64-55) with 6:19 remaining. Rochester battled back, going on a 12-0 run to claim a 67-64 lead. Carter Jones tied the game at 67-67 with a clutch three with 1:59 left in the game. Rochester split a pair of free throws with 29 seconds left, claiming a one-point lead.

With just four seconds on the clock, Bailey Conrad drove to the basket and was fouled. The grad senior stepped to the line and calmly sank both free throws to recapture the lead. Following a timeout, Rochester inbounded the ball, drove the length of the court, and converted a tough lay-in as time expired to win by a 70-69 final.

Inside the Box Score:

MVNU shot 32% from the field and 29% from deep in the game. It went 11-12 (91%) from the free-throw line.

Rochester shot 42% from the floor and 29% from three. It went to the line 28 times, making 21 of the attempts.

MVNU took care of the ball, finishing with just 9 turnovers and dishing out 16 assists.

Conrad – 18 points (6-17 FG, 4-12 3PT, 2-2 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist.

Koning – 15 points (4-14 FG, 5-5 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal.

Peyton Heiss – 9 points (3-11 3PT), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal.

Carter Jones – 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts:

"Rochester is a tremendous team and their kid made an incredible play at the end. I tip my cap to them. Our group did a lot of great things today on the road to build on. We're focused on our process of getting better. Excited to grow on Monday."

What's Next:

MVNU begins conference play at Spring Arbor University on Wednesday, November 20. Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m.

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.