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NKU seniors finish home careers in style, clinch 20-win season with 70-51 victory over Youngstown


NKU senior forward Jordan Garnett (center) is honored in pregame ceremonies Monday night at BB&T Arena. Garnett is escorted by his parents, Donna and Anthony. NKU defeated Youngstown State, 70-51. (Photo by Jeff McCurry)

By Don Owen
NKyTribune reporter

Saying farewell to outstanding seniors is an emotional part of college basketball, as are the pregame festivities that accompany the season’s last home game.

Lots of feel-good moments, filled with framed jerseys and career accomplishments. A few tears, both from family members and players. And a loud standing ovation from the fans to show their appreciation for the seniors.

But Northern Kentucky University’s home finale Monday night, a 70-51 victory against Youngstown State, was especially memorable for Norse head coach John Brannen.

That’s because seniors Lavone Holland II, Jordan Garnett and Nick Ayers have all played important roles for the Norse in vastly different ways. Brannen pointed out in his postgame press conference that in today’s world of college athletics, either Holland or Garnett — two of the team’s better players — could have easily transferred to another school for their final season. He also praised the determination of Ayers, a walk-on player who provides limitless energy at every practice.

NKU’s Lavone Holland II drives into the lane during the Norse’s 70-51 win over Youngstown State. Holland finished with seven points, six rebounds and four assists. (Photo by Jeff McCurry)

The senior trio also helped NKU do something extra special Monday night — clinch the program’s second consecutive 20-win season and remain tied for first place in the Horizon League standings with Wright State.

“You have three seniors that persevered, they were committed to this university and this coaching staff, and for that I’m grateful,” Brannen said. “It’s a very emotional night for everyone. These three young men have meant a great deal to our program, and we still have a lot of basketball to play this season. We don’t set goals on a set number of wins. It’s good to have 20 wins, but that’s a byproduct of what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Garnett scored 10 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out three assists in front of a crowd of 4,001 at BB&T Arena. The senior forward from Indianapolis also helped contain Youngstown State leading scorer Cameron Morse, who shot 5-for-17 from the field and finished with 11 points. Morse was also the only Youngstown State player to reach double figures.

“Jordan Garnett was awesome tonight defensively,” Brannen said. “He guarded several people. Just an outstanding performance by Jordan.”

Morse, who had made 74 shots from 3-point range entering the game, was 1-for-9 from behind the arc on Monday.

“I felt really good, just playing freely and trying to help the team,” Garnett said. “Our defense was focused on [Morse]. When you hold someone to 1-for-9 shooting from out there, you’ve done a good job as a team.”

Drew McDonald poured in a game-high 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for NKU, which improved to 20-8 overall, 13-3 in the Horizon League. Carson Williams added 10 points as the Norse slowly pulled away from the Penguins, who deviated from their usual fast-paced attack and chose instead to make it a half-court game.

McDonald now has 15 double-doubles this season and 31 in his career. The 6-foot-7 junior scored 16 points in the first half, including four 3-pointers.

NKU senior Nick Ayers is recognized before Monday night’s home finale against Youngstown State. (Photo by Jeff McCurry)

NKU held Youngstown State to just 33.3 percent shooting from the field. The Penguins (8-22 overall, 6-11 Horizon League) were 5-for-27 from 3-point range, and NKU won the rebounding battle by a 41-33 margin.

Holland, the Louisville native in his third year as NKU’s starting point guard, scored seven points, dished out four assists and grabbed six rebounds in his home finale. He also received a standing ovation as he left the BB&T Arena court in the closing minutes.

“I wish we could have moved the ceremony to after the game so we could stay more focused,” Holland said of the pregame festivities, “but it was fun.”

Said Garnett: “It’s really emotional, but you also have to lock back in really quick and be ready for the game.”

Ayers, the walk-on from Simon Kenton High School, received his first career start on Monday. He played three minutes and received a rousing ovation when he entered the game for the final time in the closing minute.

“It’s pretty emotional because it’s the final time we ever play a home game at BB&T,” Ayers said. “It’s the last time we’re all going to be here together.”

NKU finishes off the regular season with a two-game road trip, beginning Friday night at Illinois-Chicago. The Norse are one game in front of the Flames (12-4) in the Horizon League standings and need a victory to secure the No. 2 seed in the upcoming tournament.

Earlier this season, NKU posted an 86-51 win over Illinois-Chicago at BB&T Arena.

The Norse close out the regular season at IUPUI on Sunday. The tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

The Horizon League Tournament begins March 2 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. If NKU earns either of the top two seeds, the Norse will not play until March 3. Should NKU drop to the No. 3 seed, it will play its first game against the No. 6 seed on March 4.

NKU/YOUNGSTOWN STATE PHOTO GALLERY

HORIZON LEAGUE STANDINGS

Contact Don Owen at don@nkytrib.com and follow him on Twitter at @dontribunesport


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