Lady Cougars Close Homecoming Weekend with Dominating Win over Oakland City

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's basketball team (4-3) won its third consecutive game as it defeated Oakland City University (0-7) by a convincing score of 84-59 in Ariel Arena on Saturday, November 15.

MVNU won the first quarter 16-12 and stretched its lead in the second. After leading by just one with 8:11 left in the second quarter, MVNU went on a 22-11 run the rest of the way to carry a 40-28 advantage into the break. In the third, the Lady Cougars led by as many as 17 and found itself up 60-49 heading into the final quarter.

The Mighty Oaks cut the MVNU lead to single digits with a layup at the start of the quarter. The Lady Cougars responded with a strong defensive performance the rest of the way, allowing just one field goal from 9:38 to 1:05 on the game clock. MVNU dominated the fourth, outscoring the Mighty Oaks 24-10 and holding the guests on the scoreboard to just 22.2% shooting in the period. MVNU would close homecoming weekend with the 84-59 win.

Anna Swisshelm scored a game-high 23 points to go with a team-high nine rebounds. Lily Shepherd scored 17 points, dished out a game-high nine assists, and pulled down five rebounds. Angela Roshak finished with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals. Kylie Leibacher had 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

As a team, MVNU shot 47.5% from the floor and 35% (7-20) from three while holding OCU to 32.4% from the floor. MVNU moved the ball extremely well, finishing with 24 assists to just eight turnovers.

Coach VanHoose's Thoughts

"Proud of our team for getting the win after a very short turn around this weekend. A lot of different players stepped up in many different ways which is very encouraging. Excited to get back to work and start conference play next week!"

What's Next

MVNU begins conference play on Wednesday, November 19 in Ariel Arena against No. 7 University of Saint Francis. Tip-off is at 5:00 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 2,200 students from 36 states, 1 U.S. commonwealth and 41 foreign countries.