Men’s Basketball Falls in Season Finale to No. 1 Grace

WINONA LAKE, Ind. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (14-14, 4-14) fell to No.1 Grace College (27-1, 17-1) on Saturday, February 24.

The top-ranked Lancers had a strong start in the first half, taking a commanding 19-point lead by a score of 35-16 at the 7:45 mark. However, MVNU clawed its way back, narrowing the deficit to just five by the 4:02 mark. At halftime, Grace led by a score of 48-37. In the second half, Grace maintained control and would win by a final of 100-77 to close the 2023-24 regular season.

Inside the Box Score:

Grace shot a blistering 61.2% from the floor (41-67) and converted 30.4% (7-23) from beyond the arc.

MVNU shot 43.8% from the floor (28-64) and converted 34.4% (11-32) from three.

MVNU only turned the ball over 12 times, but the Lancers still made it pay by scoring 23 points off miscues.

Grace outrebounded MVNU 39-30. The Cougars were scrappy and came away with 11 offensive rebounds which they were able to turn into 15 second chance points.

Grace had 66 points in the paint on the day.

Kade Ruegsegger – 19 points (7-10 FG, 2-4 3PT), 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 assist.

Trent Koning – 15 points (5-11 FG, 3-7 3PT), 2 assists, and 1 steal.

Beau Ludwick – 12 points (5-10 FG, 1-5 3PT), 3 assists, 1 rebound, and 1 steal.

Milton Gage – 10 points (4-9 FG, 2-4 3PT), 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts:

"This group never gave in all season long. Super proud of their effort all year. We made a push, but Grace made a big run in the middle of the second half to separate. This 23-24 team ended their race, but I couldn't be more grateful for the journey of growth this group was on all season long. They fought all the way through the finish line."  

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.