The NKU Norse men’s basketball team hosted the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons at Truist Arena Thursday night.

This marked the halfway point for the Norse and their conference season, going into the game fourth in the Horizon League with a 6-3 record.

The match up would prove physical, messy and intense.

Here are five things you may have missed: 

1- Game in support of the American Cancer Society

The night began with supporting those affected by cancer. With the lights switched off inside Truist Arena, fans were asked to switch on their flashlights and raise their phones if they had ever battled cancer. As a few lights shined, the fans were asked if they knew someone that was or is affected by cancer. The whole arena began to light up, in what was a powerful vigil.  

2- Marques finishes game one point off 2,000 career points

Senior Marques Warrick would deliver 27 points for the Norse, bringing him to a career total of 1,999 points for NKU. The senior led the point scoring on Thursday night, with the Mastodon’s Jalen Jackson trailing him with 17 points.

“I know I was close, I was one off. Today I walked out for the game wanting to win above all, but it was definitely in the back of my mind,” Warrick said regarding the record. 

When asked if Warrick had the record in the back of his mind, Head Coach Darrin Horn said, “What makes that kid special is that he’s the same, he’s the same everyday. Tonight he looked like a guy playing to win the game, not a guy who was playing to go get a record.” 

The senior from Lexington, Kentucky has played a vital role for the Norse this season with local star Sam Vinson out for the rest of the season, due to injury.

3- The Norse forced 20 turnovers and 14 steals

The biggest frustration for the Norse would come from their offense. “Is there anything more demoralizing than a missed layup,” said Horn.

NKU struggled to convert the turnovers and steals into points, which ultimately is what lost them the game against a physical Purdue Fort Wayne.

“I have to give Fort Wayne credit, they were just more physical in the post and our guys just kind of accepted it tonight,” said Horn about his team’s physicality.

4- Michael Bradley returns following the flu

Graduate student Michael Bradley returned to the court after suffering from the flu. He struggled to make vital contributions for the Norse, despite his recent success in the game against Milwaukee last week.

“The real challenge without Sam is the sheer number of minutes that you’re having to replace,” said Horn about playing Bradley with Vinson injured.

5- Norse end three game winning streak

Thursday night’s 63-58 loss against the Mastodons ends a three-game win streak for NKU. Their record now stands at 6-4 and places them fourth in the Horizon League. They will hit the road to take on Youngstown State this Sunday at 1:30 p.m., with the game broadcast live on ESPN+.

The next home game for the Norse will be against Wright State on Sunday, Feb. 4.

The game will also include homecoming and begin at 2 p.m.