Platfoot Reaches Career-High in Loss at No. 23 Taylor

UPLAND, Ind. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (12-7, 4-5 CL) traveled to face No. 23 Taylor University (16-3, 8-1 CL) on Saturday, January 17. 

Taylor took an early lead in the first five minutes, going up 10-0. A little over halfway through the first half, Reed Platfoot's made layup narrowed Taylor's lead to 23-16. Taylor continued to build the lead, but MVNU would once again narrow Taylor's advantage only to a one-point game with a three-pointer from Abib Abib. However, Taylor would go into the second half still on top with a score of 41-37. 

The Cougars pushed back in the second half and tied up the game, 51-51, with 12:31 remaining. Taylor would pull away 70-63 with five minutes left in the game. Abib's three-pointer and Peyton Heiss's two free throws would tie the game back up 73-73, but Taylor would hit threes on back-to-back possessions to take a 79-74 lead with 1:26 remaining. The Trojans would hold on, defeating MVNU 83-77. 

MVNU shot 50% from the field, shot 35.7% (10-28) from three, and were seven for 12 at the free throw line. The Cougars grabbed 30 rebounds, had 14 assists, caused ten Taylor turnovers, scoring 11 points from turnovers, and scored 18 points from their bench. Platfoot led MVNU with a career-high of 19 points while adding three rebounds, two steals, and a block. Abib scored a career-high 18 points and grabbed one rebound. Heiss added 16 points, and Trent Koning had ten points for the Cougars. 

Coach Ronai's Thoughts 

"Super proud of our group. We faced a lot of adversity today and we kept responding. This group is close. I'm excited for a full week of growth next week." 
 

What's Next 

The Cougars will next travel to Fort Wayne, Indiana to face the University of Saint Francis on Saturday, January 24 at 3:00 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.