EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The greatest era in Northern Kentucky University men's basketball history came to an end Friday night.
Southern Indiana scored the final 10 points of the game Friday night to defeat NKU, 83-74, in the first round of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament at Roberts Stadium.
It marked the final game for NKU head coach Ken Shields, who announced his retirement prior to the season. Shields finished his 16-year career with the Norse with a 306-170 record.
“Our guys played their hearts out, and I'm as proud of this team as any I have ever coached,” Shields said. “I thought we were in good shape late in the game after we took the lead, but give Southern Indiana credit for hitting big shots.”
After Mike Kelsey drained a three-pointer with 3:01 remaining in the game to give NKU a 74-73 lead, Southern Indiana's Billy Harris powered in a layup that gave the Screaming Eagles a 75-74 advantage. Cris Brunson later hit a three-pointer with 2:01 left on the clock to extend Southern Indiana's lead to 78-74.
The Screaming Eagles (23-5) converted five free throws in the final minute to seal the victory. Southern Indiana, ranked No. 13 nationally in the NCAA Division II poll, made 16-of-21 free throws and won the rebounding battle by a 43-35 margin.
Southern Indiana made its first eight shots from the field and built an 13-point lead early in the game, but Kelsey scored 12 points before halftime as NKU forged a 41-41 tie at the break. Jesse Rupe and Adam Howell chipped in six points each in the first half for the Norse.
Kelsey finished with a game-high 19 points, while Kevin Reinhardt added 12 points for the Norse. Rupe and Pat Cary each scored 12 points for NKU, which ended the season with a 16-15 record.
NKU entered the GLVC Tournament needing to win the event in order to qualify for the NCAA Division II Tournament.
Harris led Southern Indiana with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while John Oden added 12 points and 11 rebounds. The Screaming Eagles shot 48.4 percent from the field and made 7-of-19 attempts from three-point range.
Southern Indiana will meet Kentucky Wesleyan tonight at 9:30 p.m. in the GLVC Tournament semifinals.
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Ken Shields |