Men’s Basketball Speeds by Racers on Homecoming

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (6-0) hosted the University of Northwestern Ohio Racers (2-4) at Ariel Arena on Friday, November 14 for the homecoming weekend. 

In the first half, Trent Koning was fouled on a three and made all three free throws, pushing MVNU's lead into double-digits for the first time in the game at 28-16. MVNU kept control, and topped off its strong play in the first 20 minutes with a Peyton Heiss buzzer-beater layup to make the score 51-36 heading into halftime.  

In the second half, UNOH tried to cut into MVNU's lead with a layup by Jyheim Spencer, which made it a ten-point game at 70-60. Isaiah Brown's dunk extended MVNU's lead to 81-62 with 7:02 left in the game. Grant Burkholder made a free throw with 1:04 left on the clock to secure MVNU's largest lead of the game of 25 points. MVNU would go on to win with a score of 97-78 over UNOH. 

Brown led the MVNU offense, scoring 29 points, which increased his career-high for the second time this season. Brown also had nine rebounds and three assists. Koning added 19 points, three steals, five rebounds, and four assists. Heiss scored 13 points and had nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Reed Platfoot led the team in rebounds with 11, while adding 12 points, two blocks, one assist, and one steal. 

The Cougars shot 45.5% from the field and 71.4% from the free throw line. MVNU caused 11 turnovers, scoring 19 points off them. MVNU also owned the glass, winning it by a 54-39 margin. MVNU had 17 offensive boards which turned into 17 points. 

Coach Ronai's Thoughts 

"Homecoming is always a special game. Thankful for all alumni that came back and spent Friday night inside Ariel Arena. I thought our guys were really locked in defensively tonight. That was the best 40-minute defensive effort of the year. Looking forward to our young group continuing to grow."

What's Next 

MVNU will next host the University of Saint Francis at Ariel Arena in its first conference game of the season on Wednesday, November 19. The Cougars will tip-off at 7:00 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.