Cougars Secure Big Conference Win Over Trojans in Back-and-Forth Battle

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. —  The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (12-9, 4-7 CL) took on the Taylor University Trojans (11-10, 4-7 CL) in a Crossroads League matchup at Ariel Arena on Wednesday, January 29, and walked away with a thrilling 76-71 victory.

Taylor started strong in the first half, opening the game with a 9-0 run over MVNU. The Trojans built their largest lead of the half at 10 points, holding a 15-5 advantage at the 15:46 mark. However, MVNU responded with an offensive surge, outscoring Taylor 11-2 to cut the deficit to just one, making it 16-17 with 12:31 remaining. MVNU claimed its first lead when Caleb Schall drained a three-pointer at the 9:52 mark, putting the Cougars ahead 23-22. The remainder of the half saw both teams exchanging small runs and trading baskets. At halftime, Taylor held a narrow 40-37 lead over MVNU.

The second half continued the back-and-forth action, with both teams exchanging short runs and baskets, locking the score at 49-49 with 14:37 remaining. Taylor held a slim 58-57 lead just before the midway point of the final half at the 9:49 mark. MVNU secured its largest lead of the second half up to that point, extending the margin to eight points at the 7:16 mark, fueled by three consecutive three-pointers; one from Bailey Conrad and two from Trent Koning. MVNU built a nine-point lead with 5:20 remaining, but Taylor narrowed the gap to just two points with 3:25 left, making it a 70-68 game.

Taylor took the lead at 2:30, but MVNU responded quickly, reclaiming a one-point advantage at 72-71 with 2:09 remaining. Clutch free throws down the stretch and stops on defense secured MVNU's home victory over Taylor, 76-71.

Inside the Box Score

MVNU shot 50.9% on its field goal attempts and 33.3% (8-24) of its three-pointers during the game.

Taylor achieved a 56.0% field goal accuracy and shot 40.9% (9-22) from three-point range.

MVNU forced 11 Trojan turnovers, converting them into 15 points for the Cougars. Additionally, MVNU capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 11 points, while Taylor managed just 4.

MVNU had 19 points to just 7 turnovers.

Conrad – 21 points (8-13 FG, 3-6 3PT, 2-2 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block.

Koning – 13 points (4-12 FG, 2-7 3PT, 3-5 FT), 7 assists, 3 rebounds.

Peyton Heiss – 12 points (4-8 FG, 2-6 3PT, 2-2 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal.

Devin Dreier – 9 points (4-4 FG, 1-1 FT), 2 rebounds.

Milton Gage – 6 points (3-7 FG), 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts

"Another big-time Crossroads League battle. Our guys executed well down the stretch and got timely stops and rebounds. Multiple guys contributed in a big way. Looking forward to getting better tomorrow."

What's Next

The men's basketball team heads on the road to Goshen, Indiana on Saturday, February 1, for a Crossroads League matchup against the Goshen Maple Leafs, with tipoff set for 3:00 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 33 states and 26 foreign countries.