Northern Kentucky opened up conference play against Cleveland State on Wednesday. In what was a very scrappy Horizon League opener, both teams combined for 34 turnovers and 43 free-throw attempts. The Norse’s interior defense guided them to a 95-80 victory over the Vikings, securing their sixth win in a row. 

The Norse were very efficient on the offensive end, shooting 55.7% from the floor, 48.1% from deep, with 13 made triples. The Norse were nearly perfect at the free-throw line, going 14-15. 

NKU dominated in the paint, outscoring the Vikings 40-16, while also recording seven blocks. 

LJ Wells had an all-around game with 21 points and a double-double with 10 rebounds, seven of those being on the offensive end and four blocks. Wells led the Norse in all three categories. 

Head Coach Darrin Horn complimented Wells on his performance.  

“This is a player’s game and the team that has the best player usually has the best chance, and we had the best player by far on the court tonight and this guy sitting next to me right here [Wells],” Horn said.

“He was absolutely unbelievable, a grown man among boys and can’t tell you how proud I am of him and how much he’s grown, and to step up in a situation in a game like tonight in a league opener, really was the difference in the game,” Horn said.

Tae Dozier also contributed across the board, putting up a season-high 17 points, grabbing four rebounds, adding four assists, two blocks and two steals. 

The Norse’s perimeter defense continues to be an issue for them, allowing the Vikings to shoot 14-25 from three (56%). Cleveland State’s Tre Beard was a problem for the Norse as he led the Vikings in three-point shooting, knocking down a season best of 6-8. 

Northern Kentucky moves to 7-2 on the year, and 1-0 in Horizon League play. 

The Norse look to extend their winning streak when they travel to Purdue Fort Wayne to take on the Mastodons, Saturday, Dec. 6. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.