Women’s Basketball Shows Grit Against No. 12 Knights

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. —  The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's basketball team (14-13, 6-11 CL) hit the road for their final regular-season road game, facing No. 12 Marian University Knights (21-6, 14-3 CL) in a Crossroads League game on Wednesday, February 19, at the Physical Education Center.

Marian dominated the opening quarter, jumping to a 15-0 lead before MVNU got on the board with a free throw at the 2:10 mark. By the end of the first, Marian held a commanding 22-6 advantage.

MVNU fought back in the second quarter, putting together a stronger offensive effort and outscoring Marian 15-14 in the period. Despite their push, Marian maintained control, heading into the halftime break with a 36-21 advantage.

MVNU's offense came alive in the third period, led by Serenitee Johnson and Angela Roshak, who combined for 13 points. The Cougars outscored the Knights 21-13 in the quarter, cutting Marian's lead to just seven at 49-42 heading into the final period.

The Lady Cougars showed grit, sinking four three-pointers in the fourth quarter and fighting until the end, but couldn't close the gap on Marian, falling 72-62 in their final road matchup of the regular season.

Inside the Box Score

MVNU shot 38.9% from the field, making 21 of 54 attempts, while hitting 41.7% from beyond the arc, sinking 10 of 24 three-pointers.

Marian recorded a 43.9% shooting rate, sinking 29 of 66 field goal attempts, while also knocking down 3 of 12 from three-point range at 25.0%.

Marian controlled the paint, outscoring MVNU 44-18 inside. MU also dominated the boards with 41 rebounds and 19 second-chance points.

MVNU finished the game with 19 turnovers.

Johnson - 15 points (5-15 FG, 5-7 FT), 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, 1 block.

Naomi Keib - 14 points (4-8 FG, 4-8 3PT, 2-2 FT), 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 block.

Roshak - 12 points (5-14 FG, 2-3 FT), 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block.

Katie Sprang – 9 points (3-7 FG, 2-4 3PT), 5 rebounds, 3 assists.

What's Next

The Lady Cougars will return home to Ariel Arena for their final regular season game of the year, celebrating Senior Day by honoring three seniors for their dedication to the program. They will face Grace College on Saturday, February 22, with tipoff set for 1 p.m.

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 2,100 students from 33 states and 26 foreign countries.