Men’s Basketball Comes Up Short at No.12 Huntington

HUNTINGTON, Ind. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (5-5, 1-3 CL) took on No.12 Huntington University (9-2, 2-2) in a conference road match on Saturday, December 7.

MVNU started strong, taking a 14-9 lead after an Isaiah Brown basket with 12:14 remaining in the half. The hosts responded with a 9-0 run and used that to regain momentum. Both teams shot very well in the first half, with Huntington holding a 40-37 advantage at halftime. MVNU hit 50% of its shots from the floor and used 4-9 shooting from three to keep things close at Platt Arena.

In the second half, a 12-5 run by Huntington pushed its lead to 52-42 with 16:50 remaining. Huntington stretched its lead to 62-49, but MVNU didn't quit and rallied back to make it a one-possession game with 5:47 left after a Trent Koning three. Trailing 66-68, MVNU saw Huntington go on a 6-0 run to halt the momentum. In the end, the Cougars fell on the road to its nationally ranked opponent 71-82.

Inside the Box Score:

Both teams shot an identical 49.1% from the field. MVNU shot 9-22 from three (40.9%) while Huntington was 38.9% for the game (7-18).

MVNU had 14 turnovers which led to 11 Huntington points.

Huntington got to the line often, hitting 21 of its 27 attempts.

Koning – 20 points (7-15 FG, 2-6 3PT, 4-4 FT), 2 rebounds, 1 steal.

Bailey Conrad – 14 points (6-14 FG, 2-6 3PT), 3 steals, 2 assists, 1 rebound.

Peyton Heiss – 12 points (4-5 3PT), 3 rebounds, 3 assists.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts:

"Our young group got better today against a top-15 team on the road but Huntington made a few more plays down the stretch. Many lessons to take and learn from. Lane Sparks is one of the best players in the country and I felt he got loose in transition on too many occasions. I'm proud of our fight and we'll continue to grow and get better."

What's Next:

MVNU begins its California trip with a matchup at Pacific Union on Friday, December 13 at 12:00 p.m. EST.

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.