Men’s Basketball Defeats Webber International

BABSON PARK, Fla. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (10-3) opened its trip to the sunshine state with a 77-68 victory at Webber International University (5-8) on Thursday, December 18.

WIU opened the game strong, jumping out to a 6-0 lead with a pair of threes early on. WIU stayed hot, stretching its lead to 11-2 five minutes into the game. The Cougars showed their resiliency and battled back, responding with a 12-0 run to take a 14-11 lead with 12:15 on the clock in the first half. MVNU would never trail again in the game.

MVNU led by as many as 17 in the first half and took a 41-30 lead into the break. The Cougars shot 45% from the field and 35% (5-14) from three in the first 20 minutes.

WIU didn't back down in the second half as it slowly chipped away at MVNU's double digit lead. WIU cut the Cougar lead to just six at 57-51 with 10:28 left in the game. MVNU pushed the lead back into double digits, and despite a late push from WIU, would go on to win 77-68 for its 10^th win of the season.

Overall, MVNU shot 49% from the floor and 36% (7-19) from three. WIU shot 45% from the floor and 33% (7-21) from three. The Cougars put forth a strong defensive effort, forcing 19 WIU turnovers which led to 31 points. MVNU also won the boards 31-29 and outscored the hosts in the paint 38-36.

Isaiah Brown and Trent Koning each led MVNU with 17 points in the game. Peyton Heiss had 12 points while also stuffing the stat sheet with eight rebounds and three assists. Kieran Granville scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds off the bench for the Cougars.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts

"Good first game for our group down here in Florida. Webber is an athletic team and created different challenges for us. Building a road mindset is always a process with a young group and I think our guys made a step in the right direction today."

What's Next

MVNU will conclude its Florida trip on Friday, December 19 at Warner University. Tip-off is set for 4:00 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.