Courtesy of NKUNorse.com
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team recovered from a double-figure deficit in the second half to come within four of Cleveland State, but fell short in a 70-65 loss at BB&T Arena on Saturday night.
The Norse dip to 5-11 overall and 1-4 in the Horizon League, while the Vikings improve to 6-13 overall and 1-5 in League play.
Tyler White paced the Norse with 17 points, eight assists, six rebounds and four steals.
Cole Murray joined White in double figures after going 4-of-8 from long range for 12 points on the night.
CSU’s Kenny Carpenter posted a game-high 18 points after a 7-of-11 performance.
Cleveland State scored the first basket of the game, but Northern Kentucky responded with the next 12 points to grab and early double-figure lead. NKU extended its lead to as many as 12 points, 25-13, but CSU closed the half strong and took a 29-27 advantage into the break.
Both teams came out firing on all cylinders to open the second. Each team converted its first six attempts from the floor, but NKU jumped in front 46-39 thanks to five treys during the stretch.
Cleveland State used a 15-2 run midway through the half to nab a 57-52 advantage. After the Vikings extended their lead to 10, the Norse defense extended full-court and began causing chaos.
NKU forced three-straight turnovers and used threes from Cole Murray and Brennan Gillis, as well as a Lavone Holland II dunk to pull within four, 67-63, with 37-ticks left on the clock.
However, Cleveland State was able to seal the game with three free throws down the stretch.
The contest concluded a three-game homestand for the Norse as they return to action on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Oakland.
Norse Notes
- White’s eight assists are good for a new career-high. His previous career mark was seven assists, which he dished out on four different occasions.
- Murray has posted double figures in points in each of the last two games and is now averaging 10 points per game.
- Northern Kentucky won the battles for points in the paint (22-14) and second-chance points (12-6).
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