Cougars Close West Coast Trip with Win Over Simpson University

REDDING, Calif. — The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (8-5) closed its trip in California on a high note with a 101-79 victory at Simpson University (5-7) on Monday, December 16. 

The Red Hawks took the lead early and led for a majority of the first 10 minutes of the game. With just seven minutes remaining in the first half, the game remained tightly contested until MVNU's offense began to gain momentum. With the score tied at 21 all, MVNU closed the half on a 24-14 run. By halftime, the Cougars had pulled ahead, leading the Red Hawks 45-35. 

MVNU maintained control throughout the second half, shooting a blistering 61% for the rest of the game. The Cougars secured a dominant 101-79 victory over Simpson University, completing their California trip with a perfect 3-0 record. 

Inside the Box Score: 

MVNU shot 56.5% for the game and made 13 threes at a 44.8% rate. 

MVNU took control of the paint, outscoring the Red Hawks 42-28. 

The Cougars forced 10 turnovers and scored 17 points off them. 

MVNU had 16 assists to just 6 turnovers in the game. 

MVNU was 100% (13-13) at the charity stripe.  

Bailey Conrad – 29 points (12-15 FG, 4-6 3PT, 1-1 FT), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal. 

Isaiah Brown – 15 points (7-9 FG, 1-1 FT) 3 rebounds, 1 assist. 

Peyton Heiss – 12 points (4-11 FG, 2-7 3PT, 2-2 FT) 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block.  

Trent Koning – 12 points (4-12 FG, 1-4 3PT, 3-3 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist. 

Mason Harvey – 9 points (3-5 FG, 3-5 3PT) 1 block. 

Coach Ronai's Thoughts: 

"What an outstanding trip out west. Super grateful for the opportunity to be in California growing with our guys on and off the floor. Probably the most complete offensive game we have played thus far. Our young group continues to get better. Excited to get home and have a few days off for Christmas." 

What's Next: 

MVNU will have time off for the holiday season before returning to Ariel Arena on Monday, December 30 against No.23 Rio Grande. The tip-off will be at 1:00 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 2,100 students from 33 states and 26 foreign countries.