The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men’s basketball team (3-0, 0-0) defeated Hiram College 81-53 on Tuesday. 

Ariel Arena was packed with students from nearby elementary and middle schools, and the Cougars came out with a lot of energy on Champions of Character Day. MVNU played fast and stretched out a big lead in the early stages of the first half. Going into halftime, MVNU was dominating, 42-17. In the second half, both teams increased their shooting percentages and scoring efficiency. All five starters for the Cougars finished with double-digit points. The Cougars outscored the Terriers 39-36 in the second half and sent the home crowd back with a win.

MVNU was led by Kade Ruegsegger’s game-high 20 points on 6-for-12 shooting, including 5-for-8 from behind the arc. Ruegsegger also finished with three assists and two rebounds in his 31 minutes. Eric McLaughlin had his third straight all-around solid game for the Cougars, finishing with 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting. In only 15 minutes, McLaughlin hit three threes and picked up four assists. Clay Hilliard and Mount Gilead resident Kyle Kegley each chipped in with 12 points. and Kegley pulled down 11 rebounds for his second double-double in three games. Kegley also picked up all four of MVNU’s blocks.

Centerburg resident Carter Jones got the first start of his young MVNU career and finished with 10 points on 5-for-7 shooting, 5-for-5 inside the arc. Jones also grabbed seven rebounds, including two on offense. Jones tied the game-high in assists with four and tied the game-high in steals with two.

Cougar head coach Jared Ronai said, “The Champions of Character Day is such a positive day for the community and university. Thankful for the many who put in work to organize this event for the kids of our elementary schools. As for the game, we took a step forward today but have much to grow and learn from. I am excited to get back to work this afternoon and tomorrow.”