Northern Kentucky had another afternoon battle with Terriers on Saturday, this time with the Terriers from Boston University. Boston was able to use their size and nationally ranked shooting prowess early, but the Norse were once again able to reclaim the lead in the second half and not let it go in a 74-65 victory. This win gives NKU their fifth in a row and keeps their home record blemish free.
The Terriers began the game getting the ball to seven-foot center Ben Defty for two early baskets on the way to a 7-2 lead and establishing an early game plan for BU. Kael Robinson’s only points of the first half and the fortitude of LJ Wells to not back down from the size mismatch gave Northern Kentucky an opportunity to get their offense rolling and tied the game up early.
Dan Gherezgher snatched the lead back for the home team for a brief moment before Azmar Abdullah nailed a layup and a triple to return the advantage to the Terriers. Teammate Chance Gladden added a few more baskets as the first half dwindled down and Boston secured their largest lead (nine) of the opening half. Tae Dozier, the leading rebounder on the day for the Norse, quelled the visiting team’s momentum with an offensive rebound and jumper at the buzzer to cut the deficit to five.
The first half proved that any early estimation of a shootout was not to be on this day. The Terriers struggled to pull away. Only four players registered a point in the first half for BU. NKU couldn’t find a rhythm either as they shot 30% overall and 20% from deep in the first half.
The expected efficient offense from Boston showed up to start the second half. Defty found himself open for a few points in the paint and Michael McNair showed why he is nationally ranked for his ability to knock down jumpers, as he continued to be a threat and help his team open an 11 point lead just a few minutes into the second half.
This is the moment NKU head coach Darrin Horn decided to change up the defensive plan, going with a full court press the rest of the game, and using the length and athleticism he has on his teams in players like Dozier and Donovan Rakotonanahry to make life difficult for the Terriers and begin to take away the three pointers and negate the size advantage.
NKU sparked some offense from the havoc they were causing on defense. Gherezgher began to get comfortable knocking down jumpers and Donovan Oday enforced his will as he was able to repeatedly get to the line. He attempted 13 free throws on the day, converting on 10 of them. The Terriers held a 46-42 lead before NKU found themselves on a 10-0 run to take back the momentum and the lead for the Norse.
Boston was able to cut the margin to as slim as one, but Northern Kentucky refused to relinquish their lead. Gherezgher continued his hot shooting with 20 second half points. The dagger came on a Dozier triple that put the Norse up 10 with a little over a minute left, and Boston had no answers after that.
NKU head coach Darrin Horn was impressed with the way Robinson was able to play despite not having his best scoring night, only registering 11 points.
“We could play through him down the stretch. It’s not just about him getting a bucket. He’s the kind of guy we can play through.”
This fifth straight win comes over a stretch of 13 days, with the last four happening over the last nine days and the last three coming in the last five days. Horn acknowledged the tough non-conference schedule that has prepared them for what’s ahead.
“These guys have handled a lot of different challenges, both in preparation and number of games in a short time. Every game seemed like it was a different style and different challenge. Really proud of this group, not only for the wins, but how they’ve responded to the different challenges.”
NKU ended their November schedule on a high note and now turn to December where they begin Horizon League play. First on the agenda is a battle of the Vikings with Cleveland State on Wednesday night. This will be the final game of a four game home stand for the Norse at Truist Arena. The game will tip-off at 7 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+.
Like Alex’s work? Support his work via Venmo: @Alex-Perez-103
Subscribe to our emails, and get our latest posts in your inbox, plus a weekly digest of everything we've published!
