Brown’s Buzzer Beater Lifts Cougars over Royals

TAMPA, Fla. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (11-3) wrapped up its Florida trip with a thrilling victory at Warner University (2-12) on Friday, December 19.

The Royals got out to a fast start and built a 19-12 lead with 5:51 left in the first half. MVNU responded and began to chip away at the Warner lead, eventually taking a 25-24 lead after a pair of Peyton Heiss free throws. At the half, MVNU claimed a 31-29 lead.

The game remained close throughout the second half and Warner would take a 62-59 lead after a made three with 2:06 left in the game. A pair of layups from Devin Dreier and Isaiah Brown put MVNU back on top with 1:21 left. MVNU split a pair of free throws with 17 seconds remaining, putting it up 64-62. On the other end, Warner raced down and hit a tough layup to tie the game with five seconds left. After the basket, Dreier quickly inbounded the ball to Brown, who went coast to coast for the game-winning lay-in as time expired. MVNU would win by a final score of 66-64.

MVNU shot 42% from the field and 30% (6-20) from three. MVNU's defense was superb as it held Warner to just 33% from the floor and 17% (5-28) from deep. Heiss led MVNU with 16 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Brown had 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Dreier had 11 points and eight rebounds.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts

"Uber physical game tonight in Florida. Our guys made some big plays down the stretch and Isaiah was able to find some space to attack on the last possession. Such a great trip for our guys on so many levels on and off the floor. We are grateful."

What's Next

MVNU will take some time off before resuming Crossroads League play at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana on January 3. Tip-off is set for 3:00 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.