Feb. 24, 2000

NKU DEFEATS SIUE, 81-70

Norse improve to 24-4 as Lawhon scores 20

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Junior guard Brian Lawhon scored 20 points Thursday night as the Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team defeated Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, 81-70, at the Vadalabene Center.

Senior forward Scott Marston added 17 points as the Norse improved to 24-4 overall, 16-3 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. NKU, which is ranked No. 19 nationally in the Division II Bulletin poll, shot 69.6 percent from the field in the second half to break open a close game.

NKU has now beaten SIUE 10 consecutive times dating back to the 1991-92 season. The Norse are also 9-0 against the Cougars since SIUE joined the GLVC in 1995-96.

NKU will conclude the regular season Saturday night with an 8:30 p.m. road game at 13th-ranked University of Southern Indiana. The Norse will then play in the GLVC Tournament March 2-4 in Roberts Stadium in Evansville, Ind.

NKU, which is ranked No. 3 in the latest Great Lakes Region rankings, is also seeking a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament.

Pairings for the NCAA Division II Tournament will be announced March 5. The top six teams in the Great Lakes Region poll will qualify for the NCAA Division II Tournament.