Men’s basketball conquers Detroit Mercy 95-73
Norse move to 3-1 in Horizon League, 13-4 overall
The Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team bounced back from a tough loss 36 hours prior with a rock-solid 95-73 victory Saturday afternoon over the Titans of Detroit Mercy in Detroit.
The Norse had 6 players score in double figures this afternoon, including all 5 starters. Senior forward Drew McDonald led the charge with 23 points, sinking 8 of 11 shots from the field. Junior guard Tyler Sharpe had 20 points including 5 three’s. Junior forward Dantez Walton contributed 13 points while senior guard Zaynah Robinson had 12 points.
Redshirt sophomore guard Jalen Tate came off the bench to score 11 points and lead the team in rebounds with 7 and assists with 8. Freshman guard Trevon Faulkner added 10 points to the victory.
NKU and Detroit traded the lead back and forth through the first 12 minutes of the game until Sharpe hit a 3 at the 8:06 mark that put the Black & Gold up 22-19. From here the Norse did not trail again in the game. The Norse had a 24-4 points in the paint advantage over the Titans.
The score at halftime was 43-36 with the Norse on top.
Coming out of the gates in the second half NKU went on a 16-4 run to stretch the lead to 59-40 forcing a Detroit Mercy timeout to slow things down. The pause in action did not cool off the Norse as they continued to stretch their lead to as much as 26 at one point, and out-scoring the Titans 52-37 in the second half.
The Norse shot 57 percent from the field and made 11-12 from the free throw line. Even though the Black & Gold were out-rebounded 30-34 they held the Titans to 42 percent shooting from the field.
The “W” puts the Norse at 3-1 in Horizon League play and 13-4 overall. Next up for the Black & Gold is a Friday night showdown on Jan. 11 with Horizon League rival the Wright State.
The game is at BB&T Arena, the ball tips at 7 p.m. and will be broadcasted on ESPN2.
The first 250 students in the door will win free nachos, and the first 1,500 fans in the door will receive a free mini basketball. Campbell County residents can enjoy $9 tickets with proof of residence.