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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

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.)
Men's 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?

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 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 March 22, 2019
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.  
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.
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 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) 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 March 2, 2019
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.
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

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.
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 February 23, 2019
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.
NKU players celebrate after a three point shot by Tyler Sharpe (15).

Youngstown State preview: A streak must be broken

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor February 21, 2019
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.
Men's Basketball Head Coach John Brannen reacts during the game against Wright State. The Norse fell to Wright State 81-77.

NKU men’s basketball team falls to Wright State 81-77

Sierra Newton, Sports Editor February 16, 2019
NKU men’s basketball team falls to Wright State 81-77. The Norse fall 20-7 on the season and 10-4 in the Horizon League. Wright State moves to 16-11 on the season and 10-4 in the Horizon League, tying NKU for first.
Men's Basketball Head Coach John Brannen reacts during the game against UIC. The Norse defeated UIC 73-58.

Men’s basketball vanquishes Flames at BB&T Arena 73-58

Ty Debonis, Reporter December 30, 2018
The Norse men's basketball team defeated the UIC Flames at BB&T Arena on Sunday night 73-58.
Drew McDonald (34) reacts to a foul on the court during the game against UC. McDonald had 3 fouls on the night and had only 8 points on the game.

NKU falls to UC on the road, 78-65

Mike Canizales, Sports Editor December 5, 2018

It only took 30 years for NKU and the University of Cincinnati to renew their rivalry on the basketball court, but in front of a crowd of over 11,000 at Fifth Third Arena, the Bearcats coasted to a...

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