The Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team (15-10, 10-4) has been involved in a number of games determining its standings on top of the Horizon League.
The Norse traveled to Youngstown State on Saturday hoping to grab the league lead. But it did not happen. The Penguins (19-6, 11-3) took the lead for good with an 8-0 run in the second part of the first half on their way to a 74-56 win.
Sophomore point guard Sam Vinson paced the Norse with a season-high 18 points reaching double figures for the sixth time in the last seven games. Junior guard Trey Robinson continued to play well with 11 points. Fifth-year forward Chris Brandon pulled down 10 rebounds and fifth-year guard Trevon Faulkner added seven points and two steals. But the rest of the Norse combined for just 18 points.
Northern Kentucky made 32 percent of its shots including 27 percent from three-point range and 12 of 13 free throws for 92 percent to go with 27 rebounds, 15 fouls, 12 assists, six turnovers and six steals. Youngstown State made 59 percent of its shots including 41 percent from three-point range and 70 percent of its free throws to go with 36 rebounds, 13 fouls, 18 assists, 10 turnovers, three blocked shots and two steals.
Northern Kentucky travels to Wright State on Friday. Game time is 9 p.m. on ESPN2.