DETROIT - Pat Cary scored a career-high 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds Monday night as Northern Kentucky University defeated Wayne (Mich.) State University, 91-85, in two overtimes at the Matthaei Complex.
Cary also added four blocked shots as the Norse won their fourth straight game and improved to 9-4. NKU trailed by four points late in regulation, but baskets by Cary and Mike Kelsey allowed the Norse to force overtime.
Kelsey, who finished with 17 points, tied the game at 67-67 with 45 seconds remaining with a layup.
NKU had a chance to win at the end of the first overtime, but Kevin Schappell’s 18-foot jumper was off target. In the second overtime, Sean Rowland hit four consecutive free throws as NKU built an 82-78 lead with 3:35 remaining.
The Norse converted 11-of-12 free throws in the second overtime to seal the victory. Schappell and Kelsey each made two free throws in the closing seconds to ice the win.
NKU shot 61.1 percent from the field in the second half, and the Norse made 28-of-40 free throws for the game. Steve Purdon and Jesse Rupe each scored 15 points for NKU, and Schappell added 10 points.
Kendon Edwards led Wayne State (4-5) with 23 points and 16 rebounds. Wayne State dominated the offensive boards and finished with a 47-39 rebounding advantage, but the Warriors made just 12-of-25 free throws.
James Davis added 22 points for Wayne State, which shot 42.3 percent from the field. NKU is now 2-0 all-time against Wayne State.
The victory was No. 299 for NKU head coach Ken Shields, who is now 299-159 in 16 years as the Norse mentor. Shields can record his 300th career victory on Dec. 30 when the Norse play host to the College of Mount St. Joseph at 7:45 p.m. in Regents Hall.
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Pat Cary |