Men’s Basketball Bests Campbellsville on Champions of Character Day

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. — The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (4-4) competed at home against Campbellsville University (6-4) on Tuesday, November 26. It was Champions of Character Day for MVNU, as Ariel Arena was filled with kids from the Mount Vernon city school district. 

The non-conference contest began with an explosive start from the Cougars, who pushed ahead of the Tigers 19-2 within the game's first seven minutes. However, Campbellsville began to mount a comeback, eventually tying the game at 26-26 with 6:20 left in the first half. Bailey Conrad, a standout performer throughout the game, nailed a crucial three-pointer late in the half, narrowing the score to 37-40. The Cougars entered the second half trailing Campbellsville by a score of 37-42.   

MVNU came out strong in the second half, quickly tying the game at 44-44, thanks to a three-pointer by Trent Koning, assisted by Milton Gage. What followed was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging baskets. The Cougars regained the lead with a layup from Devin Deirer, pushing the score to 62-58. With five minutes remaining, Campbellsville fought to stay in the game, but a powerful dunk from Conrad helped the Cougars keep momentum the rest of the game. Ultimately, MVNU held off the Tigers' final push, clinching the victory by a final score of 85-78. 

Inside the Box Score: 

MVNU outshot Campbellsville behind the three-point line, hitting 12-20 for a 60% shooting clip. Overall, MVNU shot 54% from the field. 

The Cougars took away the three ball from the guests, holding the Tigers to just 26% from deep. 

MVNU had 17 assists to just 11 turnovers. 

Conrad – 29 points (8-14 FG, 5-6 3PT, 8-9 FT) 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 blocks. 

T. Koning – 21 points (5-9 FG, 4-6 3PT, 7-8 FT) 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals. 

Gage – 9 points (4-8 FG, 1-3 3PT) 2 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. 

Dreier – 9 points (3-4 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-3 FT) 1 rebound, 1 steal. 

Coach Ronai's Thoughts: 

"What an awesome day inside Ariel. Thank you to Mount Vernon city schools for making Champions of Character Day a success. Campbellsville is a tough Mid South team. The Mid South and the Crossroads League is probably 1A and 1B as the best men's basketball league in the country. They created many challenges for us throughout the game. Our young group RESPONDED and executed well down the stretch. Really proud of their growth. Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving."   

What's Next: 

The MVNU men's basketball team will return home on Wednesday, December 4. The Cougars will compete in a Crossroads League game against the Goshen Maple Leafs at 7:00 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.