College basketball fans’ favorite week of the year is here, feast week. Where teams take part in mid-season tournaments. The Norse took part in the holiday fun as they traveled to Nashville to play Stetson and Drake in the Music City Classic.
NKU vs Stetson
NKU had a slow offensive start, shooting just 3-17 from the field in the first quarter, which helped Stetson gain a 15-9 lead. The Hatters continued to build the lead, shooting 50% from the field and holding the Norse to just 34.5%, handing the Norse a 89-63 loss.
Maddie Moody led the Norse on offense with 16 points. Mia Jordan recorded a double-double, the Norse’s first of the season, recording 10 points and 12 rebounds.
NKU won the rebound battle 38-36, but Stetson outscored the Norse in second-chance points 20-10.
On defense, the Norse allowed four hatters to score in the double-digits. Cameron Thomas led Stetson with 23 points, including four made threes.
Perimeter defense continues to be a struggle for NKU, as they allowed Stetson to set a program record with 17 made threes. This year, the Norse is allowing teams to shoot 37.3% from deep this season, 35th worst in the nation, per BartTorvik.
NKU vs Drake
After a close first quarter with the Norse up 23-20, NKU dominated the 2nd quarter, outscoring Drake 23-6 to lead 46-23 at the half. The Norse kept their large margin, defeating the Bulldogs 90-69.
Five Norse players scored in double figures, led by Karina Bystry with 17 points and three made threes. Kamora Morgan added 14 off the bench, shooting 6-8 from the field. Maddie Moody finished with 12 points, Taysha Rushton added 11 and Kylee Hunt put up 10.
The Norse lost the rebound battle 31-29. Abby Wolterman led the Norse with five grabs.
At the free throw line, the Norse shot an impressive 17-20 (85%), while the Bulldogs shot 11-16 (69%).
NKU’s defensive pressure was a key factor in the dominant win. The Norse forced 21 turnovers and converted those mistakes to 25 points.
The Norse moved to 2-6 on the season, and will take on Southern Indiana at Truist Arena on Sunday, Nov. 30, with tip-off set for 1 p.m.