With just under four minutes left in the first half, NKU already led Brescia 40-18, as the ball found its way into the hands of Kael Robinson. With the Bearcats scrambling in transition, Robinson rose up over a late closeout and buried a deep three, pushing the Norse lead well past 20.
On Monday, NKU men’s basketball hosted Brescia at home. Returning to Truist Arena after a split Horizon League opening weekend, the Norse entered the matchup sitting at 7-3 overall, looking to pick up momentum before conference play ramps back up.
Brescia came in 0-7, seeking their first win of the season, but faced a tall task against NKU’s size, depth, and athleticism.
Right from the opening tip, NKU seized control. The Norse started the night with a burst of defensive pressure, forcing Brescia into early turnovers and missed three.
Robinson led the scoring charge for NKU, pouring in 23 points on 6-11 shooting and a near-perfect 9-10 from the free-throw line. Tae Dozier added 13 points, including three made threes that helped stretch the Bearcats’ defense.
Senior LJ Wells made his presence felt inside, grabbing nine rebounds and scoring 11 points, while senior Donovan Oday chipped in 11 points and seven boards, helping NKU dominate the paint.
Brescia struggled early, shooting just 21.4% in the first half and going 0-for-14 from three. Janute Jenkins led the Bearcats with 13 points, but they were unable to keep pace with NKU’s physicality and speed in transition.
By halftime, NKU led 50-21, capitalizing on 11 Brescia turnovers and turning lock-down defense into 14 fast-break points.
In the second half, Brescia found a bit more rhythm offensively behind Jordan Cooke and Braxton Highbaugh, but the Norse answered every push with efficiency and depth.
NKU’s bench contributed 33 points, highlighted by 11 from Sophomore Bryce Darbyshire, who knocked down three shots from beyond the arc.
Despite Brescia improving to 42% shooting in the second half, NKU maintained control thanks to strong interior dominance and a balanced attack.
The Norse out-rebounded Brescia 50-25, including 12 offensive boards that extended possessions and helped preserve their comfortable lead.
NKU closed the night on a decisive stretch of defensive stops, holding Brescia without a field goal for nearly four minutes late in the game. A pair of threes from Darbyshire and a putback from Robinson sealed the 39-point win.
With the win, NKU moves to 8-3 overall and continues a strong non-conference showing.
The Norse face the Bellarmine Knights on the road this Saturday, Dec. 13, where they look to carry their momentum forward as they inch closer to the heart of Horizon League play.