(Ryan Luster/48 Minutes Network)
It was an ugly one at Truist Arena Monday night where the NKU Norse Men's Basketball team opened their 51st season with a blowout loss to the Kent State Flashes, 79-57. Sincere Carry of the Flashes dropped 20 points + 7 assists on the Norse and also went 5-7 on 3's.
The Norse started the game going 1-12 from the field and despite outrebounding Kent State 42-34, the shooting never really got better. NKU shot 32.3% from the field during the first half and were lead in scoring by Sophomore, Sam Vinson had a nasty turned ankle early in the game which resulted in him being helped off the floor however returned later and dropped 12 points in the loss. The Norse only trailed 6 points at the half 35-29 however.... then the second half happened.
The Norse cut the lead to just 3 with an early 3 from Trevon Faulkner in the first minute of the 2nd half but it was all downhill from there. The Flashes put their foot on the gas and never let up. They shot 8-12 from the 3 point line and the Norse were never able to make a run. Chris Brandon grabbed 17 boards for NKU.
After the game, NKU coach, Darrin Horn said clearly they have a lot of work to do and have an uphill battle with their non-conference schedule coming up.
The Norse next host the UC Clermont Cougars on Saturday 11/12 at 2:00 p.m. on ESPN+ before traveling to Estero, FL for the Florida Gulf Coast Showcase on Monday 11/21.
