After fighting for a hard-earned offensive rebound, Tae Dozier watched the clock tick down to just six seconds. With the game on the line, Dozier took matters into his own hands, shooting a potential game-tying three from deep.
As Dozier released the shot, the ball arched towards the net, freezing the arena. Players, coaches and fans alike looked on with nervous anticipation.
Clink. The chance slipped away. Oakland’s Brody Robinson secured the rebound, and the building fell silent. Swish. Swish. Robinson calmly knocked down two free throws, sealing a heartbreaking home loss for NKU.
On Tuesday night, NKU men’s basketball returned home to face Oakland in a Horizon League showdown. Entering the contest 9-2 overall, the Norse were looking to rebound in conference play against an Oakland team that arrived unbeaten in conference play.
From the opening tip, the game developed into a back-and-forth battle. With 18 lead changes throughout the night, the score featured multiple ties and constant momentum swings.
Oakland carried a slim 41-38 advantage into halftime, fueled by efficient scoring inside and timely transition buckets. NKU stayed within striking distance behind strong interior play and second-chance opportunities.
Kael Robinson led the way for the Norse, finishing with 22 points on 10-16 shooting while attacking the paint consistently.
Senior LJ Wells added 18 points and nine rebounds, and Dozier contributed 11 points, five blocks and steady defensive pressure that helped spark fast breaks.
The second half mirrored the first, with both teams trading baskets and leads. Oakland relied on Michael Houge, who finished with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Robinson chipped in 16 points and six assists, including a pair of clutch free throws late in the game.
With just over a minute to play, NKU briefly reclaimed the lead following a pair of free throws by Senior Donovan Oday. However, Oakland responded immediately, capitalizing at the foul line during the final 33 seconds to seal the win.
Despite shooting 44.3% from the field, NKU was limited to just 12 free-throw attempts, while Oakland went 20-29 from the line; a decisive factor in the closing moments.
The Norse battled until the final possession, but a late three-pointer that would have sent the game to overtime rimmed out, allowing Oakland to ice the game at the stripe.
NKU falls to 9-4 overall, and 1-2 in conference play, while Oakland improves to 6-6 and remains unbeaten in conference play.
The Norse face the Charleston Cougars at home this Sunday, Dec. 21, where they look to bounce back with a brief break from conference play.