The Northern Kentucky women’s basketball team faced a 15-point deficit in the third quarter, but used a huge surge to overtake ETSU by 12 points, 57-45. The Norse close out the nonconference portion of their schedule at 2-9, while the Bucs fall to 6-8.
STAT LEADERS
Samari Mowbray tied her career high of 19 points, sinking three 3-pointers in a game for the first time as a Norse. She also added five rebounds, two assists and a block.
Molly Glick added 11 points and tied her career best of eight rebounds, all of which came on the defensive end, along with a pair of steals.
Jazmyne Geist hit double digits for the first time in her career, going 8-for-10 from the free throw line for the bulk of her 10 points.
Kailey Coffey led the Norse in rebounding with 10 for the second double-digit rebounding game of her career.
Mikayla Terry played all 40 minutes and dished out six assists while nabbing three steals. Her rounded performance also included six points and five rebounds.
FIRST HALF SUMMARY
NKU held tight with ETSU in the first quarter, 11-8, and briefly took a 12-11 lead in the second, but the Bucs used a 16-5 run to take a 28-17 advantage going into the half.
The run was not a spectacular offensive showcase as ETSU shot just 26.7 percent in the frame, but rather it was fueled by a 6-of-8 effort from the free throw line and capped off by two key 3-pointers.
SECOND HALF SUMMARY
ETSU extended out to a 15-point lead with the first two buckets of the second half, but NKU bore down and went on a 21-9 run. Mowbray scored eight of her points, including two of her 3-pointers, to help the Norse get within three, 41-38.
NKU held the Bucs to just four points in the final frame while shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 75.0 percent from long range in a 19-point burst.
NKU took the lead for good when Terry drew her defenders in transition and passed off to Coffey in the low post for a 42-41 edge.
The Norse iced ETSU with three-straight triples from Mowbray, Taryn Taugher and Molly Glick for a sizable 53-41 lead.
ETSU attempted to extend the clock by fouling, but strong free throw shooting by Terry and Mowbray put the contest too far out of reach.
NORSE NOTES
NKU remains unblemished in the all-time series against ETSU, 6-0.
Coming into the contest, ETSU ranked 11th nationally with 12.8 steals per game. The Bucs registered just six swipes in the game, while NKU had nine steals.
ETSU was also held considerably under its scoring and rebounding averages. The Bucs averaged 71.8 points per game and 40.5 rebounds per game, but were out-rebounded 43-30.
NKU shot 36.2 percent from the field and held ETSU to 26.4 percent shooting. The Norse had a strong effort at the free throw line, sinking 18-of-22.
UP NEXT
NKU kicks off Horizon League action at home following the holiday break. The Norse host Milwaukee at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 28, before welcoming No. 21/23 Green Bay to BB&T Arena at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30.
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Chloe Smith
Assistant Athletic Communications Director
Northern Kentucky University
