The Northern Kentucky University women’s basketball team had a huge road challenge to finish the regular season and came up short against Cleveland State, losing 81-69.
Northern Kentucky fell to 10-19 overall and finished 8-12 in Horizon League Conference play, finishing in a tie for eight. They were on the wrong end of a tiebreaker with Oakland for eighth spot, meaning they’ll have to travel to the Golden Grizzlies on Tuesday for a first round postseason game in the Horizon League conference tournament. NKU and Oakland split the two regular season meetings. Tuesday’s tip is set for 7 p.m.
Norse freshman standout Carter McCray put up a season-best 27 points to go with seven rebounds and three steals, hitting 10-of-13 shots from the field. McCray finished the regular season leading the Horizon League averaging 10.8 rebounds per game and finished fifth in scoring averaging 15 points per game.
Khamari Mitchell-Steen scored 16 points to go with three assists.
Northern Kentucky finished with four players score in double figures overall. Kailee Davis had 12 points to go with five rebounds and three assists and Macey Blevins added 10 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists.
Mickayla Perdue scored 25 points to lead the Vikings (27-4) in the win.
Cleveland State had three players reach double figures. Sara Guerreiro and Colbi Maples added 18 points each with Guerreiro snatching 10 rebounds for a double-double.
The Vikings led 16-15 after the first quarter then took control winning the second quarter, 21-12 to go up 37-27 at halftime. They extended the lead to 62-47 after three quarters.