No. 3 IWU too Much for MVNU

MARION, Ind. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (14-11, 6-9 CL) played at No. 3 Indiana Wesleyan University (22-3, 12-3 CL) in Marion, Indiana on Wednesday, February 11.  

The Wildcats opened the game with a layup, but MVNU quickly responded with a basket from Trent Koning. The teams traded points throughout the first four minutes of the first half before IWU pulled ahead at the 13:10 mark, taking a 17–8 lead. With eight minutes remaining in the half, the Wildcats extended their advantage to 28–14. By halftime, the Cougars trailed 23-47. 

IWU kept up its intensity in the second half as it extended its lead to as many as 38 points and cruised to a 103–65 victory over the Cougars. The Wildcats capitalized on the Cougars' 13 turnovers, converting them into 21 points on the other end. IWU also dominated the boards, outrebounding MVNU 38–19. The Wildcats were red-hot from the floor, shooting 61.5% overall and 56% (14-25) from deep. 

Isaiah Brown led the Cougars with 13 points, shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line and going 4-for-7 from the field. Abib Abib added 11 points, going 5-for-8 from the field and 1-for-2 from three-point range. Kieran Granville contributed 10 points, shooting 4-for-5 from the field and 2-for-3 at the free-throw line. Granville also grabbed four rebounds. 

Coach Ronai's Thoughts  

"Lucky Arena has always been a tough place to play. We've won here, and we've gotten beat up here in the past. We have to learn and grow from tonight and not let tonight beat us tomorrow. Time to grow and get better."  

What's Next 

MVNU will return home on Saturday, February 14 to take on No. 11 Bethel University in Ariel Arena at 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.