After racing out to a 44-22 halftime lead, the Northern Kentucky University women’s basketball team (5-4) started the I-75 Challenge with a 79-69 victory over Eastern Kentucky University (4-5) on Thursday.
“I just want to credit our team and the job that we did – the ability to get the lead in the first half, which helped us a little bit in the second half when they started pressing and pressuring us,” said Camryn Whitaker, Northern Kentucky head coach. “But our guards did a great job of taking care of the basketball. That team forces on average 20-plus turnovers a game for their opponents.”
The Norse hit 48 percent from the field and 10 three-pointers in the victory to go with 38 rebounds, 22 assists and 13 turnovers. They held EKU to 40 percent shooting and made them commit 14 turnovers.
Emmy Souder led NKU, making all five shots on her way to 17 points and six rebounds. Kailee Davis followed with 14 points, eight assists and five rebounds with Lindsey Duvall contributing a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds.
“I have to say that my teammates are really, really good passers so they set me up in really good positions,” Souder said. “I want them to get the assists so I’m trying to finish everything that I get. I did get off to a rough start (to the season). But hopefully, it’s on the up.”
Ellie Taylor added to the balance with a career-high 10 points making 4-of-6 free throws. Senior guard Ivy Turner scored nine points and junior guard Kennedy Igo scored eight.
Northern Kentucky plays host to Miami (Ohio) (3-4) on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Men’s Basketball
Washington State 68, Northern Kentucky 47
The Norse (5-5) struggled out west against a Power Five foe in Pullman, Washington, on Wednesday against Washington State (4-4).
NKU had eight different players score, led by Trevon Faulkner with 11 points, Marques Warrick with 10. They struggled from the field, shooting 43 percent and 33 percent from long-range.
Northern Kentucky plays host to Eastern Kentucky (4-5) on Wednesday at 7 p.m.