Koning Surpasses 1,000 Career Points at No. 14 Lancers

WINONA LAKE, Ind. —  The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team (12-7, 3-6 CL) traveled to the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center on Saturday, January 18, to face the No. 14 Grace College Lancers (15-4, 7-2 CL) in a Crossroads League matchup.

MVNU started strong, jumping to a 7-3 lead over Grace by the 15:36 mark. Grace quickly responded, tying the game at 9-9 and then pulling ahead with a 22-15 advantage at 6:51. The first half ended with Grace holding a 31-24 lead in a defensive, low-scoring battle.

The Cougars came out energized in the second half, cutting Grace's lead to 38-33. A big three from Bailey Conrad at 12:45 brought MVNU within a point, 44-43. However, Grace countered with a decisive run, extending their lead to 12 points and forcing an MVNU timeout at 8:08, with the score at 58-46.

MVNU rallied late, trimming the deficit to 65-61 at 3:09 behind a clutch three by Bede Lori. With just 52 seconds left, Conrad's crucial layup off a Carter Jones assist brought the Cougars within one, 67-66. Despite their late push, MVNU narrowly fell to Grace, 68-66, in a thrilling Crossroads League contest. Junior, Trent Koning, who had 12 points on the day, surpassed 1,000 career points for MVNU.

Inside the Box Score

MVNU shot 40.3% from the field (25 of 62) and 34.8% from beyond the arc (8 of 23).

Grace hit 45.2% from the field (28 of 62) but managed just 10.5% (2 of 19) on three-point attempts.

Grace controlled the paint, outscoring MVNU 44-26. MVNU tallied 18 assists and added 16 fastbreak points in the game.

Conrad – 25 points (9-19 FG, 3-8 SPT, 4-6 FT), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal.

Koning – 12 points (4-13 FG, 2-6 3PT, 2-2 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists.

Jones – 8 points (4-6 FG), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block.

Lori – 6 points (2-4 FG, 2-2 3 PT), 2 rebounds.

Milton Gage – 5 points (2-9 FG, 1-1 FT), 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals.

Coach Ronai's Thoughts

"Grace is a terrific team and it was a really physical game today. Thought both teams guarded well and hard. We fought our way back and had a chance at the end. A lot of areas to grow from today. Looking forward to getting better next week."

What's Next

The MVNU men's basketball team is set to return to Ariel Arena for Crossroads League action on Saturday, January 25, with a 3:00 p.m. tip-off in a matchup against the (RV) Spring Arbor University Cougars.

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.