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NKU v WSU: Who will end on top?

Editor's Note: Made in conjunction with Wright State Campus Reporter, Makenzie Hoeferlin.
Sierra Newton and Makenzie Hoeferlin • January 24, 2020
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.
BB&T Arena, home of the NKU Norse basketball.

Column: Who will coach Norse MBB? Our picks to replace Brannen

Sam Rosenstiel and Sierra Newton, Editor-in-Chief, Sports Editor • April 16, 2019
On a clear blue Sunday, news broke that NKU men’s basketball coach John Brannen was leaving for the Cincinnati Bearcats. The veil in BB&T Arena was torn, and the mountains fell on themselves at the word that the leader of NKU’s Division I crusade was hopping across the river. (Editor’s Note: Ok, not really, but it did kind of feel that way.)
Mens Basketball Head Coach John Brannen holds up the net following the final game of the Horizon League Tournament. The Norse defeated Wright State 77-66.

Fact check: Is NKU MBB Coach Brannen leaving for Alabama?

What we know amid speculation that John Brannen is on the way out
Sierra Newton and Kane Mitten • March 25, 2019
Why are we even asking this question?  With being the second winningest coach in NKU history and taking two trips to the NCAA tournament as well as an NIT debut in the first three years of Division I eligibility, these types of talks come about.
Jalen Tate (11) reacts during the final seconds of the final game of the Horizon League Tournament against Wright State. NKU defeated Wright State 77-66.

March Madness: Expert takes, odds, French connections and more

How likely are the Norse to beat the Red Raiders?
Sam Rosenstiel and Sierra Newton, Editor-in-Chief, Sports Editor • March 22, 2019

It might be a longshot, but that would make an upset that much sweeter. The 14-seeded NKU Norse are taking the fight to Tulsa against 3-seed Texas Tech Red Raiders today at 1:30 p.m. in the school’s...

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 • March 17, 2019
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.
Jalen Tate (11) screams after earning a foul shot off a made basket during the semi-final game of the Horizon League Tournament against Oakland. Tate shot 6-of-18 and was credited with the assist on the game winning three by Drew McDonald (34).

Analysis: NKU must take early control to beat Wright State

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor • March 12, 2019

It all comes down to this. With an NCAA tournament bid at stake, the NKU Norse take on the Wright State Raiders Tuesday night at 7 p.m. for the title of the 2019 Horizon League Men’s Basketball Champions....

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

Norse came back from 17 point deficit to win the game.
Sierra Newton, Sports Editor • March 11, 2019
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.
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

This win is the teams first time meeting in the postseason.
Sierra Newton, Sports Editor • March 6, 2019
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.
Drew McDonald (34) stands on the sidelines after leaving the court on senior night during the game against Cleveland State. The Norse fell 83-77 to Cleveland State.

NKU loses home streak against Cleveland State

NKU still leads all-time series at 5-4, despite the loss.
Lilly Brown, Reporter • February 24, 2019
NKU Men’s Basketball team’s home winning streak comes to an end against Cleveland State 77-83. Norse drop to second place in Horizon League Conference with a record of 11-5 and Cleveland is now 4-11 in conference play and remains in the tenth spot.
Drew McDonald (34) Surpassed the preview record for number of made free throws during the game against Youngstown State. McDonald now holds the record with 435 free throws on his career.

NKU takes down Youngstown State 76-69

Drew McDonald breaks several NKU records in Youngstown win.
Jasmine Smart, Reporter • February 22, 2019
NKU men’s basketball team defeated Youngstown State 76-69 during Thursday’s game.  This brought the Norse to 21-7 overall and 11-4 in the Horizon League while the Penguins dropped 12-17 overall and 8-8 in the Horizon League.
Drew McDonald (34) goes up for a shot during the homecoming game against Oakland. McDonald shot 9-of-15 on the game and had 13 rebounds.

Norse protect the home court from Oakland Grizzlies 79-64

Norse score third straight 20 win season against Oakland.
Ty DeBonis, Reporter • February 10, 2019
The Northern Kentucky University Men’s basketball team tamed the Oakland Golden Grizzlies Saturday night at BB&T Arena by a score of 79-64. The victory moved the Norse to 20-6 overall and 10-3 in Horizon League play. It was also their 19th straight win at BB&T dating back to last season, and helped secure their 3rd straight 20 win season.
NKU players cheer after a dunk during the game against Detroit Mercy. The Norse defeated Detroit 97-65.

Norse knock down Detroit Mercy 97-65

NKU set school record for most assists vs Division I team with 33.
Nick Porras, Contributor • February 7, 2019
NKU men’s basketball team found their rhythm against Detroit Mercy 97-65. NKU moves 9-3 in the Horizon League and 19-6 overall. The Titans moves 6-6 in the league and 10-14 overall.
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