MOUNT VERNON – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men’s basketball team (1-0, 0-0 CL) opened its season with an 87-71 victory over Ohio Christian University (0-1, 0-0 RSC) on Oct. 28 in Ariel Arena.
The Cougars started the game confidently and in control and held a 15-3 lead after just about 5 minutes of play. The visitors fought back though and made it a tight game. MVNU senior Kyle Kegley scored 26 points in the first half and going into halftime, MVNU led the Trailblazers 50-36.
Coming out of the halftime break, Ohio Christian did not back down. Midway through the second half, the visitors cut the MVNU lead to just seven points, and the game looked as though it could get interesting. With 7 minutes remaining, the Cougars led 71-65. In the closing minutes, coach Jared Ronai’s team managed the clock well and turned away any chance of a comeback from the Trailblazers to secure the win on opening night.
Kegley led the Cougars with 30 points, which tied his career high. The senior from Mount Gilead also pulled in 14 rebounds on the night. Kade Ruegsegger finished with 18 points, shooting 6-of-13 from the field. He contributed four assists and two steals. Milton Gage had a strong night for the Cougars as he totaled 16 points, six steals, five assists and four rebounds. Hallvard Staff scored 14 points in his MVNU debut, and Carter Jones had a well-rounded game as he scored six, rebounded eight and added four assists.
Ronai said his team felt the excitement of a season opener.
“I am proud of our guys for sticking together throughout the night," he said. "First time putting the real uniforms on comes with a lot of excitement. A lot to learn and grow from on both ends of the floor. There were a lot of things that we control that we have got to improve upon. We will get some rest, learn and grow tomorrow.”
