Thomas More to meet NKU in men’s basketball exhibition game on Oct. 30 at BB&T Arena

NKyTribune staff

Thomas More College and Northern Kentucky University will meet in a men’s basketball exhibition game on Oct. 30 at BB&T Arena.

Thomas More finished with a 23-6 record last season and captured the Presidents’ Athletic Conference championship to earn a berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament. NKU posted a 22-10 record and won the Horizon League regular-season title in 2017-18. The Norse also participated in the NIT against Louisville.

“I am very appreciative of NKU head coach John Brannen and his staff for allowing us to play them in this year’s exhibition matchup and for all that he has done to set this up,” said Thomas More head coach Justin Ray. “We both agreed this would be great for the community, the Northern Kentucky area, and for both of our schools.

“Coach Brannen and his staff have done great things with his team and will be one of the best teams in the Horizon League this season. We could not be more excited to get out there and compete with them.”

Thomas More welcomes back three starters, including All-Region guard Damion King (15.2 points per game, 4.3 assists per contest). The Saints also feature guard Brandon Horne (10.5 ppg) and guard Ryne Callahan (10.2 ppg).

NKU is led by senior forward Drew McDonald, an All-Horizon League performer who averaged 17.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game last season. His 18 double-doubles ranked 11th nationally in Division I last season.

The Norse must replace point guard Lavone Holland II and forward Jordan Garnett from last season’s squad, but a recruiting class highlighted by Trevon Faulkner — the 2018 Mr. Basketball in Kentucky — and shooting guard Bryant Mocaby should keep NKU near the top of the Horizon League. The Norse also return one of the league’s top defenders in Jalen Tate and add 6-foot-9 junior college standout Silas Adheke to the roster.

Dantez Walton and Tyler Sharpe are also key returnees for NKU, which will look to make it three straight 20-win seasons in 2018-19.

(Information compiled from Thomas More Athletic Communications and staff reports)