Cougars Claim Conference Win over Marian in Ariel

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (9-2, 3-1 CL) hosted the Knights of Marian University (2-9, 2-2 CL) in Ariel Arena for a conference match-up on Saturday, December 6.  

Marian struck first against MVNU, but the Cougars quickly responded, tying the score at 10 just five minutes into the first half. From there, both teams traded baskets until started MVNU to break away, building an eight-point lead with four minutes remaining in the half. The Knights cut the deficit to five on a quick offensive board and put-back, but MVNU closed the half with a final bucket from Isiah Brown to take a 30–23 advantage into the break. Peyton Heiss was sensational in the first 20 minutes, leading the Cougars with 15 points. 

The Cougars came out strong in the second half, scoring seven quick points in the first three minutes to extend their lead to 37–25. At the 13-minute mark, Abib Abib knocked down a three to stretch the lead further, and he later pushed the advantage up to 21 with another triple at the 7:30 mark, giving MVNU its largest lead of the game. The Cougars maintained control the rest of the way, securing a decisive 78–63 conference win. 

MVNU outrebounded Marian 32–31 and scored 11 points off the Knights' 12 turnovers. The Cougars shot an efficient 51.9% from the field (28–54) and 45% from beyond the arc (9–20). Heiss finished with a standout performance, contributing a career-high 27 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. The sophomore was 5-8 from three. 

Coach Ronai's Thoughts 

"I thought we were really good defensively the majority of the night. We are taking big steps on that end of the floor. Time to finish well in the classroom with finals next week." 

What's Next 

The Cougars will take on Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Kentucky for a non-conference game on December 13, with tip off time at 12:00 p.m.  

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, 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.