Cougars Fall Short Against No. 19 Huntington

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. —  The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (13-10, 5-8 CL) took on the No. 19 Huntington University Foresters (18-5, 8-5 CL) in Crossroads League play at Ariel Arena on Wednesday, February 5.

Huntington opened the game with a 9-4 lead at the 16:43 mark, but MVNU responded, cutting the deficit to 13-12 on a Bailey Conrad three-pointer at 11:39. Conrad struck again from beyond the arc at 9:03, giving MVNU its first lead at 19-18. However, Huntington answered with a run, extending its advantage to 28-23 with 5:49 left in the half. By halftime, Huntington maintained a five-point edge, leading 36-31. Conrad paced MVNU in the first half, tallying 19 points.

In the second half, MVNU cut Huntington's lead to just one point, 36-35, at the 18:42 mark. However, Huntington responded with an offensive surge, extending their advantage to 49-37 with 15:33 remaining. The Cougars could not respond to the Foresters offensive attack and were unable to mount a comeback, resulting in a final score of HU 68 to MVNU 57.

Inside the Box Score

MVNU shot 39.2% on their field goal attempts 20 of 51 and 21.1% of their threes (4 of 19) during the game.

Huntington achieved a 39.3% field goal accuracy, making 24 of 61 attempts, and shot 25.0% (6-24) from three-point range.

Huntington held the edge in the paint, outscoring MVNU 30-24.

MVNU capitalized on defense, forcing 13 turnovers that led to 16 points. However, Huntington controlled the boards, outrebounding MVNU 43-32 with 15 of them being offensive.

Conrad – 21 points (6-12 FG, 2-3 3PT, 7-7 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 1 assist.

Milton Gage – 10 points (4-12 FG, 1-5 3PT, 1-2 FT), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal.

Isaiah Brown – 10 points (5-8 FG), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts

"Give Huntington credit, thought they were really good defensively. They are a veteran group with seven seniors in their top eight who really know how to play. I thought our first shot defense was sound all night, we just didn't finish plays. You can't give a team of that caliber an advantage in the possession game. Much to grow from. Excited to get better tomorrow. "

What's Next

The men's basketball team hits the road to Mishawaka, Indiana, to face the No. 7 Bethel University Pilots on Saturday, February 8, with tipoff scheduled 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.