Dec. 19, 1999

NKU DEFEATS AUGUSTANA, 77-69

Norse (8-1) advance to Puerto Rico Holiday Classic championship game

BAYAMON, Puerto Rico - Junior forward Adam Norwell scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds Sunday afternoon as the Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team rallied to defeat Augustana (S.D.) College, 77-69, in the semifinals of the Puerto Rico Holiday Classic.

Norwell, a graduate of Anderson High School in Cincinnati, made 7 of 12 shots from the field and also had three assists as NKU improved to 8-1. The Norse rallied from a 40-36 halftime deficit by shooting 60 percent from the field during the second half. NKU also held Augustana (8-2) to just 32.3 percent shooting from the field during the final 20 minutes.

Sophomore forward Craig Sanders added 15 points for NKU, and junior guard Craig Conley scored 14 points. Junior forward Billy Brewster made 8 of 9 attempts from the free throw line and scored 10 points for the Norse.

NKU, ranked No. 7 nationally in the Division II Bulletin poll, will meet either Missouri Western State or Lake Superior State in the championship game of the tournament at 5 p.m. Monday.