Cougars Open Season with Win in Shootout against Owls

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (1-0) had its season opener against Kenyon College in Ariel Arena on Saturday, November 4.

The Cougars had a strong first half as they went into halftime leading by a score of 54-47. MVNU shot a hot 45% from 3-point range in the first half of play. Kenyon battled back and had the game tied at 88-88 with 55 seconds left in the second half, but Trent Koning gave MVNU the lead for good with a pair of free throws with 40 seconds remaining. MVNU continued to hit from the free throw line and get the stops it needed in the final seconds to secure the 95-90 victory.

Inside the Box Score:

MVNU had 16 assists to just 12 turnovers in the game.

MVNU forced 17 Kenyon turnovers and turned that into 26 points.

The Cougars capitalized on their free throw attempts, converting 31-35 from the line.

MVNU shot 40.0% from the floor (26-65) and converted 40.0% (12-30) of its threes on the day.

Koning – Game-high 25 points (5-10 FG, 3-5 3PT), 5 rebounds, 1 steal.

Kade Ruegsegger – 21 points (7-13 FG, 2-5 3PT), 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block.

Beau Ludwick – 12 points (4-9 FG, 1-4 3PT), 3 steals, 2 rebounds, 1 assist.

Milton Gage – 12 points (3-6 FG, 2-2 3PT), 5 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal.

Bailey Conrad – 10 points (4-7 FG, 1-4 3PT), 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts:

"A whole lot to learn from today. It was good to put the real uniforms on for the first time. Kenyon did a terrific job hanging around in the second and we have much to improve upon on both ends in the half court. We are excited to get better next week."

What's Next:

MVNU will be back in action on Tuesday, November 7. The Cougars will be traveling to Lima, Ohio to face the University of Northwestern Ohio. Tip-off is set for 7:00pm.

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 2,000 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.