NO.2 LANCERS OUTLAST
he Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (4-5, 0-3 CL) hosted the second-ranked Grace College Lancers (9-0, 3-0 CL) in Ariel Arena on Wednesday, November 30.
MVNU gave the Lancers all they could handle as it played toe to toe with the nation's second-ranked team. The Cougars started strong, opening up a 25-15 lead midway through the first half of play. Grace closed the gap before the half, but MVNU remained ahead 36-30. The Lancers took a 40-39 lead early in the second half, but MVNU remained unphased. The contest was a back and forth affair the rest of the way as there were eight different lead changes from here on out.
MVNU opened up a four-point lead with 58 seconds remaining after a Carter Pline jumper. With 15 seconds left, Grace hit a layup, making the score 62-60. After a Grace foul, MVNU missed the front end of the one-and-one, giving the Lancers a chance to tie. Out of the timeout, Grace found Elijah Malone under the basket for the game-tying basket. Malone was also fouled on the play and hit the free throw to give Grace the 63-62 lead with nine seconds remaining. MVNU was unable to convert on the final possession, falling to the Lancers by one.
Inside the Box Score
Kade Ruegsegger led MVNU with 19 points. He grabbed six rebounds.
Kyle Kegley finished with 13 points and 11 boards. Kegley had two steals and a block.
Pline supplied nine points, four rebounds, and two assists off the bench.
Milton Gage had seven points, six assists, and four rebounds.
Coach Ronai's Thoughts
"Really proud of our guys as I felt we controlled the majority of that game against a very good opponent. Some unfortunate bounces down the stretch, but I am extremely proud of our group. They have fought adversity all year long and they will continue to fight. We are looking forward to getting better tomorrow."
What's Next
MVNU hosts (RV) Huntington University on Saturday, December 3 in Ariel Arena. Tip-off is set for 3:00pm.
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 2,000 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.
Original source can be found here
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