Men’s Basketball Falls at Spring Arbor

SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (12-10, 4-8 CL) took on Spring Arbor University (12-10, 5-7 CL) in a Crossroads League road contest on Saturday, January 31.   

Spring Arbor started quick, jumping out to a 14-4 advantage. MVNU's offense was unable to get anything going as the first half continued, allowing SAU to get out and build its lead more. With 9:54 remaining in the first half, SAU held a 26-8 lead. At the half, SAU held a 46-27 lead. The hosts continued their strong play in the second half and would build the lead to as many as 27 points. MVNU was able to get some offense going in the remaining minutes of the game, but it fell by a score of 83-71 at the final buzzer. 

MVNU shot 36.5% from the floor and 25% (6-24) from three. MVNU also had 19 turnovers in the loss. On the other side, SAU shot 52.3% from the field and made 10 threes at a 38.5% clip. 

Trent Koning led MVNU with 20 points, four assists, and three steals. Peyton Heiss scored 10 points and grabbed nine rebounds while also dishing out three assists. Devin Dreier also scored 10 points to go with five rebounds. 

Coach Ronai's Thoughts 

"Tip my cap to Spring Arbor. I thought they played really well and played in the box consistently throughout the afternoon. Our group has to take a step forward on the defensive end this week. And we will. Looking forward to getting better on Monday." 

What's Next 

MVNU travels to Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana on Wednesday, February 4. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. 

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, 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 2,200 students from 36 states, 1 U.S. commonwealth and 41 foreign countries.