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NKU improves to 22-8 with 65-55 win at Milwaukee on Thursday night; McDonald sits out with injury


NKyTribune staff

MILWAUKEE — Jalen Tate and Chris Vogt combined for 34 points on Thursday night as Northern Kentucky University rallied for a 65-55 win over Milwaukee at the UWM Panther Arena.

Tate netted 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds for NKU, which improved to 22-8 overall, 12-5 in the Horizon League. Vogt added 16 points as the Norse rallied from a 12-point deficit in the first half and defeated Milwaukee for the sixth consecutive time.

Jalen Tate led NKU with 18 points against Milwaukee. (Photo by Jeff McCurry)

Dantez Walton finished with 13 points for NKU, which is now tied with Wright State for first place in the Horizon League standings. The Raiders were upset at Green Bay, 70-67, on Thursday night.

NKU played without leading scorer and rebounder Drew McDonald, who missed Thursday’s game due to back spasms. McDonald has scored 1,998 career points and is nearing the NKU all-time record of 2,007 points, which is currently held by Craig Sanders.

McDonald averages 19.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

Vance Johnson led Milwaukee (9-21, 4-13 Horizon League) with 13 points. Jake Wright added 10 points for the Panthers, who have dropped 10 consecutive games. Milwaukee hasn’t won since Jan. 19, when the Panthers defeated IUPUI, 64-57.

After leading by as many as 12 points in the first half, Milwaukee took a 34-28 advantage into the locker room at the break. The Norse, though, shot 58.6 percent from the field in the second half to storm from behind and cruise to the win. Vogt scored 12 points in the second half to key the NKU rally.

The Norse are now 7-3 all-time against Milwaukee.

NKU concludes the regular season on Saturday with a 1 p.m. game at Green Bay. The Norse will play host to a first-round Horizon League Tournament game at BB&T Arena on March 6 at 7 p.m. against an opponent to be determined.

NKU is assured of being one of the top two seeds in the Horizon League Tournament. Pairings will be finalized following Saturday’s games.

(Information compiled from NKU Athletics Communications and staff reports)


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