HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Connie Myers scored six consecutive points late in the second half Thursday night to lead the Northern Kentucky University women’s basketball team to a 77-74 victory over Saint Joseph’s College in Regents Hall.
Myers finished with 15 points as the Norse - ranked No. 19 nationally in the NCAA Division II poll - picked up their 600th all-time victory. In 29 years of competition, the NKU women’s basketball program owns a 600-228 record.
After Saint Joseph’s forged a 60-60 tie with 6:31 remaining in the game, Myers made three consecutive baskets as NKU built a 66-60 lead. Saint Joseph’s cut the deficit to two points four times in the last four minutes, but NKU made six free throws in the final 58 seconds to maintain the lead.
Elizabeth Burrows hit one of two free throws with 2.6 seconds remaining to give NKU a 77-74 lead, and Saint Joseph’s desperation shot from past halfcourt fell short at the buzzer.
Bridget Flanagan scored 22 points as NKU improved to 14-3 overall, 10-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Norse - who have won seven consecutive games - are in first place in the GLVC standings.
Kristin Polosky added 11 points and seven rebounds for NKU, which remained unbeaten at home this season (9-0). The Norse are 35-2 in Regents Hall during the past three years.
NKU has won 13 straight at home, with the last defeat a 72-59 setback against Bellarmine on Jan. 19, 2002.
Amy Mobley finished with 10 points, eight assists and seven rebounds as the Norse beat Saint Joseph's for the 19th consecutive time. NKU has not lost to Saint Joseph’s since the 1993-94 season, when the Pumas posted a 72-67 victory against the Norse at Rensselaer, Ind.
Heather Allen scored 29 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead Saint Joseph’s, which dropped to 10-9 overall, 7-5 in the GLVC. The Pumas also had their five-game winning streak snapped.
NKU will play host to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside at 1 p.m. Saturday in Regents Hall.
Connie Myers