LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Mike Kelsey scored 19 points Friday night as Northern Kentucky University opened the season with a 78-65 win over Kennesaw (Ga.) State University at the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic.
Kelsey, an Elder High School graduate, made four three-pointers as NKU finished 12-of-23 from beyond the arc. NKU’s Steve Purdon finished with 16 points and also connected on four three-point shots.
NKU built a 37-27 halftime lead by shooting 50 percent from the field. The Norse led by as many as 19 points in the second half and coasted to the victory.
“It was a nice way to open our season, and we have a great three-point shooting team,” NKU head coach Ken Shields said. “We came out strong, and Steve Purdon’s shooting really set the tone early in the game.”
Purdon made a pair of three-pointers to open the game and give NKU a 6-2 lead. Kelsey added another three-pointer to extend the advantage to 9-2, and the Norse led the entire game.
Adam Howell came off the bench and added 10 points for NKU. Terrence Hill led Kennesaw State, which is ranked No. 22 in the Division II poll, with 19 points.
Kevin Reinhardt, a Campbell County High School graduate, finished with nine points for NKU. Sean Rowland added six points and seven assists for the Norse.
NKU will meet Philadelphia (Pa.) University at 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the second round of the tournament. NKU won the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic three years ago.
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Steve Purdon |