Cougars Fall to No. 10 Pilots in Conference Battle

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. —  The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (9-6, 1-4 CL) welcomed the No. 10 Bethel University Pilots (12-3, 5-0 CL) to Ariel Arena for a Crossroads League clash on Saturday, January 4.

MVNU scored first taking a 2-0 lead, but after two quick baskets from Bethel, they maintained the lead for the rest of the game. Bethel outscored MVNU 40-26 in a highly physical first half of play.

In the second half, MVNU's offense picked up, outscoring Bethel 43-41. However, Bethel ultimately came out on top, securing an 81-69 victory over MVNU.

Inside the Box Score

MVNU shot 36.8% on its field goal attempts and hit just 21.7% (5-23) of its threes during the game.

Bethel shot 47.4% from the field and was 3-11 (27%) from three in the game.

Bethel controlled the paint, outscoring MVNU 38-26 in points near the basket. It also held a 46-27 edge on the boards and had 21 second chance points.

MVNU took good care of the basketball, finishing with just 7 turnovers.

Bailey Conrad – 23 points (7-13 FG, 2-6 3PT, 7-8 FT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 steal.

Isaiah Brown – 13 points (3-8 FG, 7-8 FT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 steal.

Devin Dreier – 9 points (3-4 FG, 1-1 3PT, 2-2 FT), 8 rebounds and 1 assist.

Milton Gage – 5 points (1-7 FG, 3-5 FT), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts

"We obviously did not play our best today but our guys fought hard. Bethel is a top 10 team for a reason and they present multiple challenges on the floor. Our guys will grow and get better from today."

What's Next

The men's basketball team hits the road on Wednesday, January 8, for a 7:00 p.m. Crossroads League matchup against the University of Saint Francis at the Hutzell Athletic Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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 33 states and 26 foreign countries.