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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Cassie Brannen scored four points in overtime as unbeaten Northern Kentucky University pulled out a 65-63 victory against Drury on Saturday in Weiser Gym. NKU (15-0 overall, 7-0 Great Lakes Valley Conference) led by as many as 15 points in the second half, but Drury used a 12-0 run to pull to within 51-48 with 8:23 remaining. Drury gained a 59-55 lead with 2:41 left, but NKU scored the final four points of regulation to force overtime. Danyelle Echoles made two free throws for NKU to start the extra session, and Brannen followed with a basket to give the Norse a 63-59 lead. NKU still held a 65-63 lead in the closing seconds, and Drury’s Lindsay Ballweg missed a 3-point attempt. The Norse extended their winning streak to 21 consecutive games dating back to last season. The 15-0 start is the best since the 1987-88 team began 18-0. Jessie Slack led NKU with 20 points, and Brandi Rayburn added 14 points and 14 rebounds. Echoles scored 10 points for the Norse, while Karen Brackman added nine points. Brannen finished with six points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots. Melanie Oliver led Drury (11-6, 5-2 GLVC) with 18 points. NKU held Drury to 30.6 percent shooting from the field for the game. The Norse built a 34-22 halftime lead by allowing Drury to make only 21.1 percent from the field. NKU returns home to meet Missouri S&T Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in The Bank of Kentucky Center. |
