As a 1994 Northern Kentucky University graduate, I have been able to see the Norse men’s basketball program go from the highs during their time in Division II as a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) to their move to Division I as a member of the A-Sun and as a current member of the Horizon League.
With the movement to DI comes the opportunity to schedule larger schools that in turn provide the Norse fan base the chance to see bigger opponent names on the schedule – albeit mostly on the road.
However, there are those times when the college basketball gods see fit to allow you to schedule a team from a major conference and better yet on your own home court. That opportunity came once again for NKU as the recent installment of the Norse versus Cincinnati series wrapped up what will likely be the final time the two tri-state teams go head-to-head given Cincinnati’s move to the Big 12.
As a Norse alum and avid fan of all things NKU, I will allow the reader to see, through my eyes, the game day experience on a very special night.
Pre-Game
I am a current board member on the NKU Alumni Board of Directors and volunteered my time that evening to welcome fellow alumni along with their children who are currently looking to continue their education at the same school their parents did. This was an excellent way to talk up the university I love all while supporting my favorite team.
The evening began with a small reception at the University Welcome Center where I along with others on the Board, greeted everyone as they arrived decked out in their NKU gear eager to begin the evening’s festivities.
After a brief interaction with all of those in attendance, and a welcome from university President Cady Short-Thompson, it was time for the short walk to the arena to cheer on the Norse. The walk across the pedestrian bridge was filled with fans from both schools all hoping for a win for their team. I overheard conversations that covered everything from the point spread on the game, to what the Norse needed to do to pull out the win.
I entered the main entrance of Truist Arena and headed up the stairs to the concourse and made my way towards the Lightning Deck where we will watch the game with others from the reception.
I stopped along the way to greet and talk with friends, acquaintances, and old classmates from my time on campus, all eager for the start of the game. Games like this always seem to be a reunion of sorts as alumni don’t always make it back to campus as often as they would like, and the opportunity to catchup with old classmates is always a welcomed thing.
Tip-Off & Game
I got to my seat in the deck which sits in in the upper level but allows for a magnificent view of the entire arena and the crowd below. Norse fans and the student body showed out in force – all dressed in their gold and black and holding the rally towels a perk provided to those in attendance for the big game.
Both teams wrapped up their warmups and got up their final shots before heading to the locker rooms for final instruction. The build up for the game grows as fans continue to file in.
Minutes later boos erupted from the NKU fans and overtook those from the UC fans in attendance as the visiting Bearcats took the floor. Tip-off was getting closer.
In the far corner, the cheerleaders and dance team lined up with flags in hand spelling out in order N-O-R-S-E. Fans rose to their feet as the Pep Band started into the school fight song. The roar got louder as the Norse hit the floor and the claps in unison along with the fight song got louder and louder. This is what college basketball is all about between two local teams.
The public address announcer introduced the Cincinnati lineup – a chorus of boos erupted from all corners of the arena as the NKU faithful showed how they feel about the visiting Bearcats.
It was time for the introductions of the Norse starters. The lights go out and the scoreboard displayed the hype video prepared for the season accompanied by the heavy bass music emitted from the speakers.
The names Itejere, Pivorious, Vinson, Robinson and Dilling were all called out as pyrotechnics from Norse logoed smoke boxes are shot off.
The lights are turned up and it was time to get the game started. UC got on the board first after winning the tip, but the Norse came right back and quickly tied it up on a short jumper by Sam Vinson. Both teams traded baskets for the next few minutes until Cincinnati pushed their lead up to 6 halfway through the first half and at the first TV timeout to hold a four-point advantage.
Out of the timeout, the Bearcats go on a quick 5-point run to extend the lead to 9 before a jumper by NKU’s Dan Gherezgher stopped the run and pulled the Norse to within 25-18.
A 7-0 run by the Norse pulled NKU to within two with two and a half minutes remaining and NKU capped off the first half trailing the 18th ranked Bearcats 32-28.
The halftime festivities for the evening were the Frisbee Dogs of Ohio – a collection of dogs going through an array of runs and jumps to track down frisbees thrown by their owners. It was a quick respite for the fans to enjoy before the start of the second half and what many hoped would end in a Norse victory.
A Simas Lukosius three-pointer pushed the UC lead back out to seven to begin the half as many were returning to their seats from the concession stands.
The Norse came out hot on their end going on a 12-9 run of their own to pull within one and forced a Cincinnati timeout with 16:23 remaining. The NKU crowd stood in approval and the energy in the arena was electric.
However, that would be as close as the Norse would get the remainder of the game as a combination of hot shooting by the Bearcats and missed shots and turnovers by NKU allowed Cincinnati to pull away and win by a final margin of sixteen.
The opportunity to reconnect with those in attendance with our group afterwards uncovered a wonderful time had by all despite the outcome of the game. The prospective students were able to witness a gameday experience that they will hopefully get to take part in as an actual Norse student and see the wonderful things that NKU has to offer.
As I walked out of the arena, I blended into the crowd as everyone crossed back over the pedestrian bridge and headed to the parking lots and garages for the drive home. I made it to my car – traffic leaving the lot was at a standstill and it afforded me the opportunity to replay the evenings events in my head.
It was another in a long line of basketball games for me to witness, however it seemed to mean a little more this time. Quite possibly because I had the opportunity to partially witness it from a student standpoint again in an odd sort of way. I was able to see the smiles, the excitement not only for the game but for the potential to be an NKU student for these young people and what their college experience could be if they make the decision to enroll. Many who know me know I bleed black and gold to a fault and nothing makes me happier than to see others enjoy the same fandom I do. Here’s hoping I made an impression on our visitors that evening and that I will see them in a few short years walking across that stage and officially become Norse Alumni.
