The Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) men’s basketball team (3-4, 0-2) traveled to Upland, Indiana on Saturday, Nov. 23 to take on the Trojans of Taylor University (5-2, 1-1) in its second conference game of the season.
Taylor got off to a hot start, jumping out to a 16-9 lead five minutes into the game.
The Cougars didn’t quit and slowly began to chip away at the lead.
MVNU claimed a 19-18 advantage with 11:20 on the clock after a Bede Lori three-pointer. MVNU led the rest of the half and entered the break with a 38-29 lead after Trent Koning’s jump shot as time expired in the first.
The second half started with a 7-0 run for Taylor, narrowing the MVNU lead to 38-36. Taylor continued to surge, claiming a 40-39 advantage with 16:47 remaining.
The hosts would not trail the rest of the way, using red-hot shooting to keep extending the lead. Taylor would shoot 83% - and 69% from three-point range in the second half - in its 87-79 win at Odle Arena.
“Thought we did a lot of good things throughout the game. Taylor is always a tough out inside of Odle," said MVNU Head Coach Jared Ronai. "This young group has to learn to finish segments well and put a full 40 minutes together. They’re learning valuable lessons."
The Cougars return to Ariel Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 26 against the Tigers of Campbellsville University.
For more information on the MVNU Cougars, visit: https://mvnucougars.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/releases/20241123yhtt9s.
Inside the Box Score:
Koning – 28 points (10-14 FG, 6-8 3PT, 2-3 FT) 4 assists, 1 rebound.
Carter Jones – 21 points (8-12 FG, 2-4 3PT, 3-4 FT) 4 rebounds, 1 assist.
Bailey Conrad – 12 points (3-12 FG, 3-10 3PT, 3-4 FT) 2 rebounds, 1 assist.
Peyton Heiss – 5 points (1-6 FG, 3-4 FT) 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists.
Milton Gage – 5 points (2-5 FG, 1-2 FT) 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 rebound.
