MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – The Spring Arbor University men's basketball team had three players score in double figures, including 17 points from freshman Zach Medendorp, but was unable to slow down the high-powered Mount Vernon Nazarene University offense in the second half in an 80-60 setback on Saturday.

After heading into halftime tied at 29-29, Mount Vernon Nazarene, who is receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Poll, outscored the Cougars 51-31 over the final 20 minutes to hand SAU its second straight loss.

Spring Arbor dropped to 10-6 overall and 1-3 in the Crossroads League while MVNU bumped its record to 12-4 and 3-1 in the conference.

The Cougars led 16-9 midway through the first half and would increase the margin to 10, 23-13, following a layup from sophomore Thomas Starks at the 6:49 mark. Over the next six minutes, though, MVNU would use a 16-4 run to grab its first lead since the game's opening minutes. However, Starks would answer in the waning seconds to send the teams to the locker rooms tied at 29-29.

Following the slow start, Mount Vernon Nazarene opened the second half on fire hitting nine of its first 10 shots, including five three-pointers, to charge out to 54-40 lead.

Spring Arbor battled to keep the game within reach, climbing within 10, 62-52, following a triple from sophomore Caleb Hogans with 6:46 remaining, but the home team put the game out of reach with a 15-5 run over the next 5:42.

Mount Vernon Nazarene finished the afternoon shooting 54 percent (30-for-56) from the field compared to SAU's 38 percent (20-for-53). The home team also out-rebounded the Cougars 35-29.

Medendorp led the way with 17 points on 6-for-7 shooting while adding three rebounds and two blocks. Hogans and junior Greg Hamilton followed with 14 and 10 points respectively. Starks chipped in eight points and a game-high seven boards.

Spring Arbor will return home to host Grace College (12-4, 2-2 Crossroads League) on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m.

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