The Northern Kentucky women’s basketball team won a second straight game for the first time this year, outgunning Oakland 90-82 on Friday at Truist Arena for their highest point total this year.
“Obviously, things got a little dicey there at the end,” Northern Kentucky head coach Camryn Volz said. “We don’t quite know how to play with a lead yet. I think each time we get in that situation, we’re thankful for it, but we’re learning how to control the game a little bit toward the end. I thought we did a great job making free throws when we needed to.”
Northern Kentucky found itself at the bottom of the Horizon League losing the first six league games. The Norse find themselves tied for eighth with Youngstown State at 4-8 in league play with the win.
Rough starts have been an issue for the Norse this year, but that changed in this one. Northern Kentucky led 19-14 after the first quarter and 38-26 at halftime before extending it to 64-48 after three.
Northern Kentucky won the rebounding battle, 44-35. Carter McCray once again led the Norse there with 12 rebounds to go with 23 points for her 10th double-double of the season.
“We’ve been working on (facing double teams),” McCray said. “I think that makes us as a team and as a whole better in general – just kicking it out and sharing the ball more. That part is getting better.”
Macey Blevins put up a career-high 30 points, making career-highs of 10 field goals and five 3-pointers. It is the fourth time a Norse player has scored 30 or more against a Division I opponent since Northern Kentucky transitioned to Division I in the 2012-13 school year.
“My teammates did a great job of finding me,” Blevins said. “I feel like most of my three’s were wide open with my teammates drawing two people and kicking. That’s what’s so good about this team. We have weapons all over the floor.”
Khamari Mitchell-Steen continued her consistent play with 18 points, five rebounds and four assists and Kailee Davis scored nine points. Mitchell-Steen hit double-figures for the 13th time this year.
The Golden Grizzlies put five players in double figures. Brooke Quarles-Daniels led the way scoring 17 points and Maddy Skorupski scored 16. Markyia McCormick and Linda Van Schaik scored 14 points each with Kennedie Montue adding 11.
Northern Kentucky (6-15) travels to league power Green Bay on Thursday for an 8 p.m. game.