Men’s Basketball Suffers First Loss of Season at (RV) Huntington

HUNTINGTON, Ind. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (7-1, 1-1 CL) resumed Crossroads League play on Saturday, November 22, traveling to Huntington, Indiana, to take on (RV) Huntington University (7-2, 1-1 CL). 

The Foresters jumped out to an early lead on the Cougars, but MVNU battled back and tied the game at 10–10 just five minutes in. From there, MVNU struggled to slow down the Foresters' offensive attack as Huntington stretched its lead to 31-13. Throughout the remainder of the first half, the Foresters maintained control and held a 53–36 advantage at the break. 

MVNU opened the second half with a pair of quick baskets from Devin Dreier and Isaiah Brown, cutting the deficit to 11 points five minutes in. At the 10:13 mark, Bede Lori knocked down a three-pointer to bring the Cougars closer, making it 63–61, though Huntington remained in front. Huntington responded with a 15-7 run, pushing its lead back up to double-digits at 78-68 with six minutes left. Huntington continued to fire on all cylinders down the stretch, defeating MVNU 96-82. 

The Cougars shot 44.6% from the field, and excelled at the free throw line, going 26–30 (86.7%). Huntington was red-hot from the field, shooting 48.2%. The Foresters drained 12 threes (38.7%) in the game. Brown was sensational as he led the Cougars with an impressive 36 points, a new career-high, on 10–16 shooting from the field and 14–15 shooting at the line. Dreier also played a key role, scoring 18 points on 7–11 shooting with three assists. 

Coach Ronai's Thoughts 

"Proud of our guys and the way they fought back into the game. We dug ourselves a hole in the first half and cut it to two midway through the second half. Timely stops and timely shot making was the difference down the stretch. Time to learn, grow, and get better." 

What's Next 

MVNU take on the University of Rio Grande Red Storm on Wednesday, November 25 in Rio Grande, Ohio at 6:00 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.