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The Independent Student Newspaper of Northern Kentucky University.

The Northerner
The Independent Student Newspaper of Northern Kentucky University.

The Northerner
The Independent Student Newspaper of Northern Kentucky University.

The Northerner
Sierra Newton

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor

Name: Sierra Newton

Position: Sports Editor

Bio: Frankfort, KY native who loves the game of basketball so much that I coach the girls team at Dayton High School in Dayton, KY. My favorite food is anything that incorporates peanut butter and I’m a big dog person. After graduation, I’m aiming for a Sports Reporter/MMJ career. My ultimate goal is to be my own version of Doris Burke. I always got in trouble in grade school for talking, so going into a field where I talk about sports for a living is a perfect fit! 

Year/Major: Senior, Journalism and Electronic Media & Broadcasting

Favorite song, TV show or movie: “God is a Woman” by Ariana Grande

Social media handle: Twitter: @SoFlossieWrites, IG: @So.Flossie.Writes

All content by Sierra Newton
Farewell: Senior Sports Editor Sierra Newton

Farewell: Senior Sports Editor Sierra Newton

Sierra Newton, Super Sports Editor

I’ve known I wanted to be a journalist since the fifth grade when I wrote an article on our new playground made out of recycled material, but I didn’t really believe I could do it until I joined The...

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Jalen Tate (11) prepares to be introduced prior to final game of the Horizon League Tournament against UIC. The Norse defeated UIC 71-62 and have now secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Tate, Mocaby enter Transfer portal

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
Redshirt Junior guard Jalen Tate entered the transfer portal Friday morning. A tweet from basketball analyst Jeff Goodman announced Tate's departure from the NKU men's basketball team. 
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NKU national champs t-shirt created by Paula Hook, a member of Norse Nation.

NKU Men’s basketball 2020 National Champions

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
This past weekend would have been NKU’s third showing in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Due to COVID-19, the Norse weren’t able to compete in the national tournament. A lot of teams didn’t even get to start their conference championships, speculation of NKU would play was still out. Villanova and Baylor were number two seeds that popped up the most as NKU’s contenders.
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Dantez Walton (32) goes up for a lay up during the Semi-Final game of the Horizon League Tournament against Green Bay. The Norse defeated Green Bay 80-69 and move on the face UIC in the final round of the Horizon League Tournament.

NKU men’s basketball team advances to Horizon League Finals

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU men's basketball team survived and advances to the final round of the Horizon League tournament after defeating the Green Bay Phoenix 80-69. NKU took dominated the last five minutes of the game propelling them into their 11 point win. Redshirt junior guard Jalen Tate scored 23 points, shooting 10-of-15 from the free throw line.
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Molly Glick (24) reacts with Grayson Rose (10) following the game against IUPUI. The Norse defeated first ranked team IUPUI 65-62 on Saturday Afternoon.

Glick’s Senior Day ends in NKU win, 65-63

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU women's basketball team snapped IUPUI Jaguars 13 game win streak Saturday afternoon at BB&T Arena. The 65-63 win places NKU in a tie for second place with Wright State. The Norse are 10-5 in conference and 16-10 overall.
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Kailey Coffey (23) is introduced before the game against UIC. The Norse defeated UIC 78 to 35.

NKU women’s basketball rolls over UIC in 78-35 win

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
The Norse advance to 15-10 overall and 9-5 in the Horizon League after taking down UIC Flames Thursday night at BB&T Arena. Freshman guard Carissa Garcia led the Norse in their 42 point victory with 20 points, shooting 4-of-7 from the 3-point line.
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NKU Basketball second in the Horizon League

NKU Basketball second in the Horizon League

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU basketball is on a roll right now. For the first time in the program’s Division I NCAA history, the women’s team is tied for second in the Horizon League, coming off a win streak of four. The men’s team now has their whole roster playing together at full health, are tied for second and are on a two-game winning streak. Good luck coming up with a better way to start off homecoming week!
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Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant walks off the court after finishing his last NBA basketball game before retirement in Los Angeles on April 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Kobe: NKU appreciates the life of an NBA Legend

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
Sunday morning, NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13 year-old daughter Gianna “Gigi” Maria-Onore Bryant died in a helicopter crash along with seven others. TMZ was the first to break the story of Kobe Bryant being involved in the helicopter crash.
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Graphic with The Northerner logo, NKU Norse logo, The Wright State Guardian logo and Wright State athletics logo in all four corners.

NKU v WSU: Who will end on top?

Sierra Newton and Makenzie Hoeferlin
Wright State University (WSU) and Northern Kentucky University (NKU) hold the most intense rivalry in the Horizon League, starting in 2015 when NKU joined the league. NKU and WSU have fought back and forth for years, taking turns earning Horizon League titles and going to the NCAA championships. This intense, long-term rivalry began in July of 2015 when it was announced that NKU would be joining the Horizon League.
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Norse fall to Horizon League no. 2 Wright State Raiders in nail-biter

Norse fall to Horizon League no. 2 Wright State Raiders in nail-biter

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
The game came down to the last minute Friday night at BB&T Arena, where NKU women’s basketball team fell 55-63. The Norse now stand 9-9 overall and 3-4 in the conference. Sophomore point guard Ally Niece led the game with 16 points, five assists and three steals. sophomore point guard Taylor Clos had 13 points, shooting 3-of-4 big time 3-point baskets.
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Emmy Souder (30) fights to get a rebound during the game against the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Souder had 5 rebounds on the game and 1 steal.

NKU women’s basketball ends weekend 1-1 after 73-68 loss

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU women's basketball fell to Cleveland State 73-68 Saturday afternoon at BB&T Arena. In the conference the Norse are now 2-2 and have an overall record of 8-7. Sophomore forward Emmy Souder and Sophomore point guard each led with 18 points apiece. Sophomore point guard Ally Niece followed with 11 points, shooting from 50 percent at the 3-point line. Junior center Grayson Rose had 17 rebounds from the boards. 
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Adrian Nelson (4) celebrates with Adham Eleeda (1) after a timeout called by EKU. The Norse defeated EKU 76-57.

Northern Kentucky takes down Eastern Kentucky 76-57

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
The in-state battle Sunday night ended in NKU’s favor with a 76-57 win. The Norse are now 7-3 on the season. Senior forward Dantez Walton led with 18 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore guard Trevon Faulkner also had 18 points and led in assists with seven. 
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In-state showdown: More than just a match up

In-state showdown: More than just a match up

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
On Sunday afternoon the no. 2 ranked University of Louisville Cardinals women’s basketball team will face NKU’s women’s basketball at BB&T Arena. The game won’t be a big deal just for the Norse but will mean a lot for Head Coach of the Lady Cardinals, Jeff Walz. 
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Carissa Garcia (12) reacts after a Norse point during the game against the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The Norse defeated the University of Nebraska at Omaha 57-40.

Women’s basketball gained first home win against Omaha

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU women's basketball team took down the University of Nebraska at Omaha 57-40 Thursday night. The Norse are now 1-4 on the season. Redhshirt junior guard Molly Glick led with 11 points and three rebounds. Freshman guard Carissa Garcia, sophomore forward Emmy Souder, sophomore point guard Taylor Clos followed with eight points a piece. 
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Stock image of Dantez Walton going for a layup. In the foreground of the image is The Northerner logo followed by sports.

NKU held off Ball State Cardinals in 59-57 win

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
The Norse defeated Ball State University Cardinals on their home court 59-57 Wednesday night. Three Norse scored in double digits. Senior forward Dantez Walton led the charge with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists.
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NKU players reacts after a score by the Norse during the game against UC Clermont. The Norse defeated UC Clermont 55-105.

Post-McDonald Era: Pressure is off, opportunity to build

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
The past three years for NKU men’s basketball program have been history-making, with two trips to the NCAA tournament (2017, 2019) and one trip to the NIT (2018). The Norse are focused on improving from those seasons with new coaching staff, a new style of play and four players returning out of last season’s starting five. 
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Molly Glick (24) cheers after a point during the game against Davis & Elkins College. The Norse defeated Davis & Elkins College 73-47 on Halloween Night.

NKU Women’s basketball takes down Davis & Elkins in exhibition

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
The Norse took down Davis & Elkins College 73-47 in Thursday nights exhibition match. The whole roster contributed to the scoreboard. Freshman guard Carissa Garcia led the night in points with 16 points shooting 36 percent from the field. Redshirt senior Molly Glick followed with 14 points and eight rebounds. The Norse out rebounded the Davis & Elkins Senators 52-41. For the game NKU shot 41.4 percent from the field and held the Senators to 24.6 percent. The Norse accumulated 15 assists and their bench contributed 26 points to the win.
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Men's Basketball Head Coach Darrin Horn talks to the team during a timeout in the game against Transylvania. The Norse defeated Transylvania 71-45 in the exhibition game on Wednesday night.

Men’s Basketball exhibition ends in 71-45 win over Transylvania

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU men’s basketball team opens up exhibition season with a win over Transylvania University Pioneers. Redshirt junior guard led the team with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Senior forward Dantez Walton led the night in made three pointers with three, contributing 13 points, and 4 rebounds. Senior guard Tyler Sharpe led the night in steals with 5 and added 6 points to the scoreboard.
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Men’s Basketball signs team IMPACT player Elijah Walters

Men’s Basketball signs team IMPACT player Elijah Walters

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
In 2015, athletic and energetic Elijah Walters was diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease—a rare childhood condition where the blood flow to the femoral head gets restricted. This causes blood to stop. The bone begins to die resulting in the hip to collapse, fragment and disintegrate. 
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Natalie Hardig (9) runs out before the game against Notre Dame. The Norse fell to Notre Dame 3-1.

NKU Invitational ends 1-2 for the Norse

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
The Norse hosted three top teams in the top 100 of NCAA Division I volleyball over the weekend. The Norse played no. 1 in the MAC West Division Ball State Friday night then faced no. 4 in the ACC Notre Dame and no. 2 in the AVC University of Cincinnati on Saturday night. The Norse finished the tournament 1-2 bringing their season record to 5-4. 
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NKU players huddle during the game against Xavier. The Norse defeated Xavier taking 3 of 4 sets.

Norse leave D.C. Invitational 2-1

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
Over the weekend, the Norse traveled to Washington, D.C. to play in the Bulldog Invitational hosted by Georgetown University Hoyas. The Norse faced the American East Conference’s Stony Brook University, who were projected to be the champions of their conference in a preseason poll, the #6 ranked Big East Conference Georgetown University and Marshall University, ranked #8 in Conference USA.
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Men’s soccer preview: ‘Get to the playoffs, everything else is extra’

Men’s soccer preview: ‘Get to the playoffs, everything else is extra’

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
After a 10-win season in 2018, and a successful preseason record of one win and one tie to #8 University of Kentucky, the Norse are continuing to build. Their first game of the regular season was on the road against Grand Canyon University; that game ended 3-0 in Grand Canyon’s favor.  “We had a really solid spring where we got some great results at the end,” Head Coach Stu Riddle said. “And we've continued that momentum now through preseason. So, I think we're all cautiously optimistic of what lies ahead for us.”
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Kailey Ivins (15) celebrates with Kayla Wypasek (23) after her goal during the game against Murray State. Wypasek had 1 goal on the game.

Women’s Soccer Preview: Aiming for Championship title

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
The NKU women’s soccer team has started their season 2-2 after a 3-1 win against Murray State over Labor Day weekend. The Norse are attempting to find their footing, with seven freshmen and a new transfer. With a younger team comes learning and growing pains, but the soccer team is embracing the time to learn. “Developing as a team, it’s a very young team right now, but I think we all see great potential on our team and to get us to a championship,” senior midfielder and team captain Shawna Zaken said. “Just developing and learning and growing, I think that's actually fun to do as a team.”
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Women's Soccer Head Coach Bob Sheehan talks to the team after a loss against Ohio University. The Bobcats won 1-0 and had 7 shots on goal to the Norse's 1.

Women’s soccer loses 1-0 in Home Opener

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU women’s soccer team lost their first game of the regular season 1-0 against the Ohio Bobcats. The Norse are projected to finish second in the Horizon League start out the season 1-1. While the Bobcats advance 2-1 and picked to place fifth in the preseason coaches poll for the Mid-American Conference. 
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NKU President Ashish Vaidya throws out a first pitch at the Florence Freedom baseball game prior to the game on NKU Night.

Vaidya, Horn take over Florence Freedom

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor

NKU fans, faculty and students took over UC Health Stadium, home of the Florence Freedom for a special “NKU night.” Alumni and students alike took the opportunity to connect over baseball. Hannah...

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NKU student dies over weekend

NKU student dies over weekend

Sierra Newton and Josh Kelly

A Northern Kentucky University student-athlete died over the weekend. Elyse Black, 23, of Jackson, OH passed away, according to an email sent out by NKU President Ashish Vaidya. Black, a senior,...

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Stock image of NKU Women's Soccer player with northerner logo and "SPORTS" overlayed on top of it.

NKU Women’s Soccer team adds transfer Mimi Stines

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU Women’s soccer team Head Coach Bob Sheehan announced Tuesday the introduction of Mimi Stines for the 2019 season. Stines is a redshirt freshman from the University of Dayton and will be joining senior Sarah Cady and junior Jennifer Farwell in the goalkeeping position.
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Left middle photo of John Harge. Middle of the graphic has text that reads "John Harge, 6'8" Forward, Aurora Co., Hillcrest Prep" NKU logo at the bottom

John Harge added to NKU MBB roster

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU Men’s basketball team continues to grow with another commit announced early Friday. John Harge of Hillcrest Preparatory academy tweeted his verbal commitment to NKU on Wednesday, June 5.
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NKU President Ashish Vaidya (left) and Ken Bothof (right)stand alongside newly introduced Men's Basketball Head Coach Darrin Horn.

Darrin Horn seals the deal as NKU MBB coach

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
It’s official! The new men’s basketball coach Darrin Horn stepped foot into his new home of BB&T Arena Thursday afternoon. The press conference opened with remarks from President Ashish Vaidya and NKU Athletic Director Ken Bothof—welcoming Horn and his family to the NKU community.
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What it takes to be an NKU Cheerleader

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
What sport encompasses heights, flips, jumps, potential balls hurtling toward you and lifting other people all while remaining smiling and energized? None other than the beast of cheerleading.
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Cameron Ross (14), Brad Bohlen (6) and Trey Ganns (23) shake hands after Sunday's win over Youngstown State.

Norse baseball split double-header against Golden Grizzlies

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU’s baseball team played against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in a double-header Sunday at Bill Aker Baseball Complex. The Norse won the first game with a score of 3-2, but lost game two 0-4. The Norse are now 5-20 on the season and 4-5 in the Horizon League conference. The Grizzlies also stand 4-5 in the conference and have a regular season record of 4-19.
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Jalen Tate (11) reacts during the game against Texas Tech in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Norse fell to Texas Tech 72-57 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

March Madness: NKU’s season ends against Texas Tech

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU men’s basketball historic season ended against the Texas Tech Red Raiders Friday at the BOK Center in Tulsa. The Norse end the season Horizon League regular season co-champs as well as Horizon League Champions. The Norse ended the season with a 28-9.  
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NKU Basketball Players cheer after the announcement of them recieving the 14th seed in the West region of the NCAA Tournament. The Norse will face No. 3 Texas Tech in the opening round.

March Madness: “Christmas for any fan”

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU men's basketball team will face third seeded Texas Tech in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Friday, March 22. NKU Athletics held a Selection Sunday announcement party for NKU students, alumni, and fans of the community.
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NKU players reacts after receiving the Horizon League Tournament Trophy. The Norse defeated Wright State 77-66.

Going dancing: Norse defeat Wright State in Horizon Championship

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU men’s basketball team are the 2019 Horizon League Men’s Basketball Champions after a 77-66 win over Wright State Raiders.NKU’s post season continues with a record of 26-8 and end the conference with a record of 14-5. The Raiders season ended with an overall record of 21-13 and 13-6 in the conference.
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Jalen Tate (11) hugs Drew McDonald (34) after his game winning three point shot during the semi-final game of the Horizon League Tournament. The ball was inbounded with 9 seconds on the clock.

Norse settle score against Oakland Grizzlies 64-63

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
The Norse advance past the Oakland Grizzlies 64-63 Monday night in the Semifinals of the Horizon League Basketball Tournament. NKUs record moves to 25-8 overall and 14-5 in the league, while ending the Grizzlies season with 16-17 overall and 11-8 in the conference.
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Tyler Sharpe (15) steps to avoid a defender during the Horizon League Tournament game against Detroit Mercy. Sharpe shot 7-of-13 on the night and shot 6-of-12 from three on the game.

Norse fight to take down Detroit Mercy, advance in the tournament

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU men’s basketball team ended Detroit Mercy’s season at BB&T Arena 99-88, Thursday night in the Horizon League Quarterfinals. The Norse advance and will continue post season play. Their record moves to 24-8 on the season and 14-5 in the conference. Detroit Mercy ended with 11-20 overall and 13-6 in the league.
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Drew McDonald (34) reacts to a point during the game against IUPUI. McDonald had 24 points on the game.

Norse secure regular season conference title, narrowly defeat Green Bay

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU men's basketball team eeked out a win against the Green Bay Phoenix 86-82, securing their second consecutive Horizon League season title.Senior Drew McDonald broke NKU's all-time scoring record with 2,011 all-time points, breaking the record previously held by Craig Booker in 2000 (2,007 points). McDonald had 13 points during Saturday's match.
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NKU men's basketball holds off Milwaukee 65-55

NKU men’s basketball holds off Milwaukee 65-55

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU men's basketball team took the lead late to win 65-55 over the Milwaukee Panthers. NKU's record improves to 22-8 overall and 12-5 in the conference, while the Panthers fall to 9-21 on the season and 4-13 in the Horizon League.
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Taryn Taugher (11) shoots a free throw on senior night during the game against Cleveland State. Taugher shot 1-of-2 and had 4 points on the night.

NKU defends home court against Cleveland State

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU women’s basketball team ended the home season with six game winning streak against Cleveland State Sunday afternoon with a score of 74-55. The Norse move to 8-8 in the conference and 9-17 on the season. Cleveland State Vikings fall to 10-18 on the season and 7-10 in the Horizon League.
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NKU Women's Basketball Players cheer after a point during the game against Green Bay. The Norse fell 81-61.

Preview: Women’s team hosts Cleveland State on Senior Day

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
The NKU women’s basketball team hosts Cleveland State Vikings Sunday, Feb. 24 at BB&T Arena. The game will be the final home game of the season and honor senior guard Taryn Taugher. The game will also be NKU’s pink game, the Norse partner with the Pink Ribbon Girls, an organization that provides various services to individuals with breast and gynecological cancers.
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NKU Players Celebrate after a point during the game against UNC Asheville. The Norse won 77-50.

Cleveland State Preview: No. 1 meets No. 10 at BB&T

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU men’s basketball hosts the number 10 team in the Horizon League Saturday night at BB&T Arena. The game is not only the last home game of the season but it is Senior Night. NKU Athletics will be recognizing graduate student point guard Zaynah Robinson and senior forward Drew McDonald.
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Kailey Coffey (23) is introduced prior to the game against University of Pikeville.

Preview: NKU hosts No. 2 in the Horizon League

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
The NKU women’s basketball team, currently seventh  in the Horizon League, takes on the second-place Youngstown State Penguins on Friday, Feb. 22. The Norse sit at 7-17 overall and 6-8 in the conference, while the Penguins are 20-6 on the season with a 12-3 conference record.
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NKU players celebrate after a three point shot by Tyler Sharpe (15).

Youngstown State preview: A streak must be broken

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
The Norse sit atop the Horizon League with a 10-4 conference record and 20-7 season record. They are looking to keep their home winning streak alive against Youngstown State on Thursday, Feb. 21. The Penguins are 8-7 in the Horizon League and sit 12-16 on the overall season. The Penguins are tied for fifth in the league and are looking to keep their six-game win streak going.
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NKU students cheer after a Norse point during the game against Detroit Mercy. The Norse defeated Detroit 97-65.

Preview: Norse look to get even with Oakland Grizzlies

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU men’s basketball team is on top of the Horizon League with only one loss on the board. On Saturday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. the Norse look to settle the score against Oakland in the main event of Homecoming weekend. It’s also Kenton County Night meaning tickets will be $9 with proof of residence.
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Ally Niece (25) shoots during the game against IUPUI. Niece shot 7-of-12 on the night and had 16 points.

Norse clutch 60-57 win over IUPUI Jaguars

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor
NKU women's basketball team wins against IUPUI Thursday evening, 60-57  at BB&T Arena. Norse move to 5-5 in Horizon League play and 6-14 overall. IUPUI now sits at 7-3 in the conference and 13-8 on the season.
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