MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – A first half lull proved costly for the Spring Arbor University men's basketball team Tuesday night as the No. 14 ranked Cougars were defeated by Mount Vernon Nazarene University 72-63 inside Ariel Arena.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: #14 Spring Arbor 63, Mount Vernon Nazarene 72
LOCATION: Ariel Arena | Mount Vernon, Ohio
RECORDS: Spring Arbor 19-5 (7-6 CL), Mount Vernon Nazarene 15-10 (7-6 CL)
HOW IT HAPPENED
- A strong start for Spring Arbor came to an end at the 15:14 mark of the first half with SAU leading 13-6 as Mount Vernon Nazarene embarked on a 30-10 run over the next 14 minutes. The Cougars were held to just 2-of-10 shooting from the field during the stretch and turned the ball over nine times.
- After trailing by 13 at halftime, Spring Arbor whittled the deficit to six less than three minutes into the second stanza. The Cougars made three of their first four shots, including a three-pointer from Drew Zuidema to make it 38-32 with 17:37 left to play.
- With Mount Vernon Nazarene clinging to a slim 43-37 advantage, the home team broke things open with a 12-3 scoring run and would maintain a comfortable cushion the rest of the way.
FOR SPRING ARBOR
- Zach Medendorp and Paul Marandet led the way for Spring Arbor. Medendorp finished with 17 points while Marandet had 16 with eight assists.
- Jeff Beckman and Hamilton added eight points apiece. Brandon Durnell chipped in six points and four rebounds off the bench.
- Spring Arbor shot 42 percent (21-for-50) and was 13-for-20 from the free throw line.
- The Cougars were out-rebounded 34-18.
FOR MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE
- Four players for MVNU reached double figures, including Joe Schmitz, who had a game-high 19 points. Brett Vipperman posted a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
- Mount Vernon Nazarene shot extremely well from the field, hitting 54 percent (28-for-52) of its field goal attempts.
UP NEXT
Spring Arbor returns home to host Marian University (16-9, 6-7 CL) for the Hall of Fame game on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. At halftime of the game against the Knights, SAU will recognize its 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame induction class.
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