Cougars Open MVNU Classic with Home Victory Against Bearcats

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (3-0) hosted Brescia University (0-3) in the first game of the MVNU Classic on Friday, November 7.  

In the opening game of the MVNU Classic, Isaiah Brown put the Cougars on the board first with an assist from Devin Dreier. MVNU built on that momentum, extending their lead to 10 points within the first ten minutes of play. Peyton Heiss led the charge in the first half, scoring 12 points and grabbing six rebounds. With four minutes remaining before halftime, the Bearcats battled back, trimming the MVNU lead to just two at 33–31. The Cougars closed the half strong with a 7-0 run and entered the second period ahead, 40–31. 

In the second half, the Bearcats began closing the gap and with seven minutes remaining, MVNU held a narrow 50–45 advantage over Brescia. However, the momentum quickly shifted when MVNU caught fire from beyond the arc, sparking a run that extended the Cougars' lead to 16 points (63-47) at the 10:57 mark. MVNU maintained control for the remainder of the game, securing an 83–69 victory. 

MVNU shot 40.3% from the field and hit 13 threes on 33 attempts (39.4%). The Cougars moved the ball well, finishing with 19 assists to just 11 turnovers. MVNU scored 17 points off Brescia's 17 turnovers. Heiss matched the career-high that he set in MVNU's prior game with 24 points on 8-17 shooting from the floor and 5-12 shooting from deep. The sophomore added 10 rebounds, six steals and four assists. Dreier had 15 points, shooting 5-10 from the field and 4-6 from deep. Brown scored 13 points while Reed Platfoot added 12 off the bench. 

Coach Ronai's Thoughts 

"A lot to learn from today. Many positives on both ends and I thought we had spurts where we played well. Going 12-24 at the line with multiple front end of 1-1 misses really hurts and stalls momentum. We know that was uncharacteristic and we will improve there. Looking forward to getting better tomorrow." 

What's Next 

The Cougars will continue the MVNU Classic and will be hosting Oakland City University in Ariel Arena on Saturday, November 8 at 12:00 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 2,200 students from 36 states, 1 U.S. commonwealth and 41 foreign countries.