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July 11, 2002 |
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NKU MEN TO FACE RUGGED SCHEDULE |
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Norse open 2002-03 season Nov. 22 against Findlay |
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HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - The Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team will open the 2002-03 season on Nov. 22 against the University of Findlay in the opening round of the John L. Griffin/Lions Club Classic in Regents Hall. NKU, which posted a 19-8 record last season, will meet a Findlay team (23-7 record in 2001-02) that advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament this past year. Findlay is also a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, which competes with the Great Lakes Valley Conference for regional berths in the NCAA Division II Tournament. “It’s important for us to play the GLIAC teams, and that’s why we chose to meet Findlay in the first round of our tournament,” NKU head coach Ken Shields said. “Without question, Findlay will be the toughest opponent we have ever played in the first round, and the game holds a great deal of significance because of the regional ratings.” NKU will also travel to Hillsdale, Mich., Dec. 28-29 to meet GLIAC members Ferris State University and Hillsdale (Mich.) College. “Hillsdale has a fine team coming back, and I expect them to be nationally ranked,” Shields said. “That two-game road trip against the GLIAC teams is going to be a big-time challenge, but if we are successful against those teams, it’s going to really help us when it's time to select the NCAA Tournament field.” NKU will open GLVC play at home on Nov. 30 when Quincy University visits Regents Hall. The Norse will meet five-time defending GLVC champion Kentucky Wesleyan College on Dec. 5 at Owensboro, Ky., and the Panthers will travel to Highland Heights on Feb. 15 for a rematch with the Norse. “Kentucky Wesleyan lost a great deal of talent, but they have brought in a very good recruiting class and they will be outstanding once again,” Shields said. NKU returns three starters in 2002-03, led by senior guard Brenden Stowers. A graduate of Simon Kenton High School, Stowers averaged 13.2 points and 3.3 assists last season and was named honorable mention All-GLVC. The Norse also welcome back senior forward Bobby St-Preux (11.5 ppg) and sophomore guard Mike Kelsey (7.6 ppg) to the lineup. |