The Northern Kentucky’s men’s basketball team fell 71-61 to the University of Dayton in the Norse’s final exhibition game on Nov. 9 in Dayton.

Senior guard Scott Bibbins led the Norse in scoring with a game high 15 points on 6-9 shooting, adding one assist and two rebounds. Senior center David Palmer contributed 13 points, while junior forward Chris Knight added 10 points to conclude the trio of players that scored in double figures for NKU.

Dayton’s senior guard Marcus Johnson led the Flyers in scoring with 13 points on 6-12 shooting. Three other players scored in double figures for UD. Senior guard Mickey Perry and junior forward Chris Wright added 11 points each and sophomore forward Chris Johnson netted 10 for the Flyers.

Dayton began the game with a 7-0 run, but the NKU was able to answer with a 7-0 run to tie the game. The Norse was able to grab a 25-24 lead on a pair of Knight’s free throws with 7:12 left in the first half. The Flyers would take the lead for good after Johnson hit a three-pointer. Dayton pushed the lead to 41-34 heading into the break.

To start the second half, Bibbins hit a jump shot to help NKU cut the deficit down to 40-45 with 17:11 left in the game. Dayton answered with a pair of fast break dunks by C. Johnson and M. Johnson, pushing the lead back out to nine.

The Norse weren’t able to keep up with Dayton. The Flyers outscored NKU 22-5 on fast-break points. The UD bench also outscored the Norse 34-18.

NKU is ranked No. 20 in the Division II polls and will open the regular season at No. 18 Grand Valley State at 3:00 p.m. on Nov. 15 in Allendale, Mich.