Cougars earn first Crossroads victory

The MVNU men’s basketball team (8-1) picked up a victory in last week’s Crossroads League opener.

MVNU senior Josh Ashwill led the Cougars with 21 points in the 80-72 win against Marian University (7-3).

Ashwill also pulled down eight rebounds and dished out four assists.

Sophomore Brett Vipperman scored 17 points, grabbed six rebounds, and notched six assists during the game.

Cougars Head Coach Jared Ronai was proud of MVNU’s defensive effort.

“We did a great job executing our plan on the defensive end,” he said.

He added that the Cougars had trouble making shots, but the good defense made up for it.

“We have to be consistent on the defensive end, and tonight’s game emphasized that,” Ronai said.

The Cougars will take on Grace College in their second conference game.

Ashwill and the Cougars look to play strong defense and attack the boards while keeping turnovers to a minimum.

“If we can defend like we did against Marian, control the glass, and take care of the ball, we will have a really good chance at beating Grace,” Ashwill said.

Grace averages 42 rebounds per game (RPG), holding opponents to 33 RPG. MVNU’s average rests at 38 RPG.

“Grace is a really good rebounding team, so controlling the glass is going to be a big focus for us in practice this week,” Ashwill said.

The Cougars will travel to the Lancers for tipoff at 8 p.m. tomorrow night. The game will follow the MVNU and Grace women’s matchup scheduled for 6 p.m.