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Dec. 30, 2000 |
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NKU WINS PORRECO CUP TITLE |
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Norse improve to 12-0 with 89-86 win over Gannon (Pa.) |
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ERIE, Pa. - Craig Sanders scored 32 points Saturday night as the Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team defeated Gannon (Pa.) University, 89-86, in the championship game of the Porreco Cup Tournament. Sanders made nine three-pointers as NKU improved to 12-0. NKU’s 12-0 start is the best since the 1996-97 season, when the Norse began the year with 12 consecutive victories. The streak was snapped at Owensboro, Ky., when Kentucky Wesleyan posted a 75-74 victory against the Norse. After Gannon’s Josh Morgan hit a three-pointer with six seconds remaining in the game to slice NKU’s lead to 87-86, Sanders was fouled and made two free throws to give the Norse an 89-86 advantage. Sanders earned All-Tournament honors, and teammate Craig Conley (19 points, eight assists) was named the tournament’s most valuable player. NKU built a 60-43 lead early in the second half, but Gannon rallied to eventually take a 72-71 lead with 5:37 remaining in the game. NKU scored the next five points and never trailed again. The Norse are ranked No. 4 nationally in the Division II poll and No. 1 in the Great Lakes Region ratings. |