NKU looks to bounce back Monday night as Cleveland State visits BB&T Arena

By Don Owen
NKyTribune reporter

At some point during a season, every college basketball team faces adversity. No program in the country is immune to a bad game or disappointing outcome.

Northern Kentucky University experienced its share of disappointment Thursday night during an 84-81 loss to Wright State. The Norse watched their 13-game home winning streak disappear in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 4,987 at BB&T Arena, ending a string of victories that dated back to last year.

Also at stake in that game was first place in the Horizon League, as NKU and Wright State both entered the contest tied atop the standings. The Raiders pulled out the early-season showdown and departed BB&T Arena in sole possession of first place in the Horizon League.

NKU (11-6 overall, 4-1 Horizon League) gets a chance to bounce back from that setback Monday night at 7:30 p.m., when Cleveland State visits BB&T Arena. The Vikings are 4-14 overall, 1-4 in the Horizon League and at the bottom of the standings.

Junior forward Drew McDonald said NKU is prepared for a tough game Monday night when the Norse face Cleveland State.

“All 10 teams [in the Horizon League] have a chance to win a championship, and if you aren’t locked in or aren’t focused, then any team can beat you,” McDonald said. “If you don’t come ready to play every night, then expect to take a loss.”

Cleveland State features a lineup with three players scoring in double figures, led by senior guard Kenny Carpenter’s 12.9 points per game. Senior guard Bobby Word is scoring 11.6 points per contest and leads the team in 3-pointers made with 46.

Freshman guard Tyree Appleby has made an immediate impact for the Vikings, averaging 11.5 points. He is also sixth in the Horizon League in assists at 3.7 apg. Freshman forward Stefan Kenic averages 8.5 points and has made 26 shots from 3-point range.

Cleveland State has lost eight of its last nine games, including an 81-68 decision at Oakland on Friday night.

During NKU’s loss to Wright State, sophomore guard Tyler Sharpe scored 10 points and provided NKU with a boost with his perimeter shooting. Sharpe’s playing time has gradually increased because of his performance in practice and ability to knock down the outside shot.

“I thought his energy, especially defensively in the first half, was outstanding,” NKU head coach John Brannen said of Sharpe’s contributions against Wright State. “They weren’t guarding two of our guys, they were just playing defense in the paint. So we had to adjust to provide more floor spacing, and Tyler’s ability to hit from the outside helped with that.”

NKU needed offense from Sharpe because starting forward Jordan Garnett was limited to just 14 minutes of playing time due to foul trouble, and sophomore guard Mason Faulkner missed all four of his shot attempts. Dantez Walton and Jeff Garrett, two of NKU’s most important players off the bench, managed to combine for just four points in limited time on the court.

“I need to go back and see why our approach to that game wasn’t where it needed to be,” Brannen said of the loss to Wright State. “There were some guys not ready to play, and that’s on me. I need to evaluate what was done in the course of a week and do a better job of getting them ready.”

Lavone Holland II scored 22 points, dished out five assists and grabbed five rebounds against Wright State. Holland averages 13.7 points per game and is No. 2 in the Horizon League in assists (5.0 apg).

McDonald recorded his seventh double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Newport Central Catholic graduate averages 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Carson Williams added 13 points against Wright State, and he continues to lead the Horizon League in field-goal percentage at .658.

As a team, NKU ranks 15th nationally in two-point field-goal percentage (.582). NKU is averaging 16.8 assists per game, a mark that ranks 38th nationally. The Norse also commit only 12 turnovers per outing, which ranks 61st nationally. Combining those two marks results in an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.40, which is 26th nationally.

NKU swept both games from Cleveland State last season, including an 83-75 win at BB&T Arena. The all-time series between NKU and Cleveland State is tied at 2-2.

NKU/WRIGHT STATE PHOTO GALLERY

WHAT: Cleveland State (4-14, 1-4 HL) at Northern Kentucky (11-6, 4-1 HL)
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Highland Heights, Ky.
ARENA: BB&T Arena (9,400 capacity)
TV: ESPN3
RADIO: ESPN 1530
SERIES: Tied, 2-2

HORIZON LEAGUE STANDINGS