Craig Sanders has the opportunity to break the school record for consecutive- game scoring in double figures, but he won’t lose sleep if he doesn’t make it.
“It would be a nice accomplishment, but I’m not grinding my teeth over it,” he said. “One day someone else will break it.”
Sanders started off the New Year by breaking Paul Cluxton’s three-point field goal mark of 303. Sanders hit eight three-pointers in the 90-62 victory over Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, to surpass Cluxton’s mark.
“I knew I was close to the record before the game against SIU,” said Sanders. “But I didn’t know until after the game that I broke it.”
Thanks to his experience and scoring ability, the senior guard from Cincinnati continues to be the premier player on the men’s basketball team. He is currently leading the team in scoring, averaging over 19 points per game.
Sanders also got the Norse off to a good start this season by helping them defeat Central State University, 106-85, to win the John L. Griffin/Lions Club Classic. He scored 20 points and earned all-tournament honors.
Sanders still has a tough milestone to reach by the end of this season. Feb. 2, at home against Lewis University, Sanders will look to break Brady Jackson’s record for most consecutive games scoring in double figures.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about the record,” said Sanders. “If I get it, I get it, but if I don’t get it, I don’t.”
Sanders has currently scored in double figures in 35 consecutive games, and just needs five more to break Jackson’s record of 39.
Sanders will have to face the likes of Southern Indiana University, SIU at Edwardsville, and Lewis University on his way to breaking the school record. He scored 19 points in a win against Southern Indiana the first time the two teams faced. He scored 30 points in the team’s victory over SIU at Edwardsville, and 22 points in the victory over Lewis.
“I try to score in double figures every game,” said Sanders. “The record just keeps me motivated to score.”
Scoring in double figures each game is a tough feat, but if Sanders can post similar numbers against the teams the second time around, NKU will have a new record holder.
When the regular season is all said and done, Sanders said he will gladly give up records and awards for a bid in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
“I’m happy as long as we are winning,” said Sanders. “The records won’t mean anything unless we get into the NCAA Tournament.”