Trailing by as much as 27, the Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team couldn’t overcome a slow start in a 74-57 loss to Middle Tennessee State University on Monday night in Murfreesboro.
The Norse dug themselves a 37-12 first half deficit and trailed 45-21 at the break. Trailing 58-31 with 14:15 to play, a 26-10 run got them within 11 with 2:21 to play, but could inch no closer in the loss to the Blue Raiders.
NKU committed 12 turnovers in the first half.
“We did not deal with their athleticism or how they got after us defensively,” Norse coach Darrin Horn said. “Turning it on in the second half after you’re down 25 points doesn’t mean much to me. Winning teams show up from the start and compete. Had we done that, may not win, but at least you’re in the game with a chance. Really disappointed.”
Marques Warrick led the Norse with 18 points, hitting 7-of-15 from the field and 2-of-6 from three. Sam Vinson added 13 points with six rebounds, two assists and a steal as the lone Norse players in double figures.
NKU hit just 3-of-14 from three and committed 18 turnovers. They outrebounded MTSU 37-30, aided by Trey Robinson’s nine rebounds. The Blue Raiders hit 10 three-pointers and knocked down 14-of-17 free throws.
The Norse got 16 points off the bench, led by LJ Wells and Cade Meyer with six points apiece, Wells pulling down five rebounds. Fiston Ipassou added four points and five rebounds.
NKU travels west in their next contest, headed to Washington to take on the Huskies on Thursday at 11 p.m. The game will air on the Pac-12 Network.
