NKU earns signature win against Valpo
The Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team handed coach John Brannen a signature win Sunday with an 82-78 conquest of Horizon League leader Valparaiso in the regular-season finale at BB&T Arena.
“That’s the No. 1 team in the conference,” said Drew McDonald, who paced NKU with 23 points and six rebounds.
The Norse led most of the way and held off a late Valparaiso rally by hitting their free throws. McDonald’s pair of free throws with 5.3 seconds to play helped keep the Crusaders at bay.
“It’s a nice win for our program,” Brannen said. “Valpo was a team we haven’t beaten yet.”
Lavone Holland and Carson Williams each scored 17 for the Norse. Holland added nine assists. Senior Cole Murray knocked down three 3-pointers for nine points in his final home game. He also blocked two shots.
Holland’s basket with 2:51 to play answered a Valparaiso score that pulled the Crusaders to within two at 73-71. He sank a pair of free-throws with 2.3 seconds left, setting the final score.
“Being able to pull that out, it gives us more confidence,” Holland said. “It makes us feel comfortable. But we’re never really satisfied. Twenty-one wins really wasn’t a season goal. We’re still hungry.”
NKU improved to 21-10 overall and finished the Horizon League schedule with a 12-6 mark. Valparaiso fell to 24-7, 14-4 in the league.
“To go 12-6 needs to be recognized,” Brannen said. “It’s a testament to the young men.”
Also deserving notice is NKU’s hot streak entering the March 3-7 Horizon League Tournament at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The Norse won their last three regular-season games.
“That was the best way to go out, knocking off the No. 1 team in the league. That was special,” Murray said. “We’re hot going into the tournament.”
NKU has won nine of its last 11.
“It’s a big factor. Typically, the hottest team wins the tournament not necessarily the best team,” McDonald said. “I’d be worried about playing us.”
NKU’s fast finish earned it a tie for third in the league with Green Bay, who claimed the three seed. NKU will be the four seed and face fifth seed Wright State next Sunday in the quarterfinals of the tournament. Oakland won the No. 1 seed after finishing tied with Valparaiso at 14-4.
