Courtesy of NKUNorse.com
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team suffered a 71-46 defeat on Sunday at BB&T Arena against a Valparaiso squad receiving votes in both the AP and USA Today Coaches polls.
Jalen Billups came two rebounds shy of a double-double with 17 points and eight rebounds to pace the Norse.
Lavone Holland II chipped in 10 points while Drew McDonald followed with seven points and six boards.
Northern Kentucky opened a 12-5 lead through the first seven minutes of the game, limiting Valparaiso to just 1-for-9 shooting during the stretch, but trailed at the break, 34-22, after the Crusaders used a pair of runs to pull ahead. Billups had eight points and eight rebounds at the intermission to lead NKU.
Upon returning to the floor, Billups scored NKU’s first six points as the Norse quickly pulled back within 10 of the Crusaders. However, a 10-3 Valpo run over the next four minutes of play gave the Crusaders a 44-27 edge.
The Norse defense held Valpo to two of its last 11 attempts from the floor but struggled to connect on its own offensive end, as the Crusaders pulled away with the victory.
The Norse are back in action Friday, Jan. 30, when they head to the Motor City for a Horizon League match with Detroit. Game time is slated for 7 p.m.
Norse Notes
- In the last three games, Billups has netted 53 points on 67.9 percent shooting (19-of-28) to go with 20 total rebounds. He is 13-of-15 (86.7 percent) at the charity stripe in that stretch.
- The NKU defense held Valpo to 37.5 percent shooting (9-of-24) in the opening half and 40.4 percent on the game, which is four percent lower than its season average.
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