The NKU women’s basketball team opened up Horizon League play at home on a beautiful Saturday afternoon versus Youngstown State.
The buzzer sounded, the referee threw the ball up and as the ball bobbled around, it found the hands of Jaci Jones and the action was underway.
The Penguins were the first to get on the board with a three-pointer by Jewel Watkins, YSU’s leading scorer. Watkins a couple of plays later would hit another three-pointer to put them up early 6-0.
NKU would answer right back, getting back-to-back three-point baskets made by Kalissa Lacy cutting the lead within one, 8-7.
After a made basket by Watkins, the first quarter ended in Youngstown State’s favor leading 12-9.
Even though Youngstown State was the first to score, NKU’s defense was the star.
Jones would score in the paint cutting into the lead, but the Penguins would find themselves at the line for two, converting both, bringing the game back within five, 16-11.
Then the Norse went on a run sparked by Jones’s made three-pointer. Gabby Razzano was next to score as she faced up against her defender and sunk a mid-range jumper making the game 16-16.
The women were not done yet, as after a great defensive play, Lacy sliced right through the defense finding herself trapped on the right block before she found Noelle Hubert wide open in the corner for three.
The Norse capitalized on some great defensive sequences before Mya Meredith was fouled on her way up and was sent to the line for two, converting both and making the game 21-16, ending the Norse’s 10-0 run.
Youngstown State was the last to score in the quarter, making a three-pointer that cut the lead to 21-19 in NKU’s favor going into the half.
After halftime, the Norse came out hot. Kamora Morgan was the first to score in the quarter with a three-pointer. It was then Merdith’s turn, as she caught the ball on the wing and ran downhill, making a contested layup at the rim. The run ended with a made layup by Abby Wolterman, making the game 28-19.
Youngstown State would go on a 7-2 run cutting the game within three to 30-27. The Norse would keep adding to their lead with two made free throws by Razzano and a layup made by Madison French to make the lead 34-27.
The game would find itself tied again at 34, but the Norse went on an 8-1 run to end the third quarter. They converted all six of their free throws to close out the quarter leading 42-35.
The fourth quarter is where the Norse struggled. Jones and Wolterman were the only players to score in the quarter, as Jones made a three-pointer, but was fouled, sending her to the line for a four-point play which she converted. Wolterman scored at the line making one out of the two ending NKU’s scoring for the day.
The Norse only made one of the 13 shots in the quarter, shooting 7.7%. Only Youngstown State scored with 21 points in the quarter while holding NKU to 5 points.
Youngstown State walked out of Truist with the win 56-47. They led with points in the paint with 32 compared to NKU’s 10, which was a huge factor in the game.
After the game, Norse Head Coach Jeff Hans tipped his cap to Youngstown State.
“Lot of credit to Youngstown State for coming in here and doing what they need to do to pull out the win,” said Hans.
Hans also talked about what he has seen from Meredith in her starting role.
“She’s been good, she’s been working to get back. She’s getting more comfortable out there, she’s playing with good energy but she has to contain that energy.,” said Hans. “She’s such an aggressive player and so physical she just has to learn how to harness it.”
The Norse’s season continues, being on a six-game losing streak, but they hope to find some light on Dec. 15 when they welcome Ball State to Truist Arena at 3:30 p.m.. This game will be streamed on ESPN Plus.