HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Quentin Smith’s basket with 13.5 seconds remaining in the game Saturday lifted Northern Kentucky University to a 76-75 win over the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in Regents Hall.
Wisconsin-Parkside held a 75-74 lead when NKU’s Brenden Stowers drove the lane and missed a twisting jumper. Smith, however, grabbed the offensive rebound and powered his way for a layup to give the Norse a 76-75 lead with 13.5 seconds left.
On the final possession of the game, Wisconsin-Parkside’s Brian Maastricht passed the ball underneath the basket to Glen Barlow with less than a second remaining. Barlow’s shot attempt, however, came after the buzzer sounded and his basket was not allowed.
NKU rallied from a 72-66 deficit with 2:49 remaining in the game behind the play of Smith (22 points, 14 rebounds), Stowers (25 points) and Bobby St-Preux, whose basket with 1:18 tied the score at 72-72. Dean Pogodzinski hit a three-pointer with 1:01 left to give Wisconsin-Parkside a 75-72 lead, but Stowers responded with a pair of free throws to bring NKU to within 75-74.
Quincey Moman committed a turnover with 29 seconds left, giving NKU its chance to win the game. The Norse are now 8-0 all-time against the Rangers in Regents Hall, and they lead the series, 12-4.
Mike Kelsey added 11 points for NKU, which improved to 17-3 overall, 11-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Norse - ranked No. 12 nationally in the NCAA Division II poll - are in sole possession of first place in the GLVC.
St-Preux added nine points and four rebounds for NKU, which has won 20 consecutive games in Regents Hall. The 20-game home win streak ranks No. 3 nationally in NCAA Division II men’s basketball.
The Norse - now 11-0 at home this season - have not lost in Regents Hall since Dec. 6, 2001, when Kentucky Wesleyan College posted a 64-62 win over NKU.
NKU will hit the road this Thursday for a 8:30 p.m. game at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. The Norse - ranked No. 3 in the latest NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region poll - will also play at Quincy University next Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
Quentin Smith