Blunder in Final Seconds Dooms Norse

Down in Jacksonville Ernest Watson got the party started with a lay up assisted by Ethan Faulkner, and for the most part these two guys were the only bright spots for the Norse in the 1^st half.

NKU started the game off as we would of hoped jumping out to an early lead, building it to five points before allowing the Dolphins with under three minutes to go creep back in and take momentum they had a  6 point lead going into half time 21-27. NKU shot an abysmal 6-25 from the field in this 1^st half.

NKU played much better in the 2^nd half to no avail. NKU did happen to make the game interesting tying the Dolphins 51-51 on a Watson steal and lay up. Tyler White fouled with two seconds left sent Jacksonville into the bonus where Russel Powell calmly hit both free throws in front of the home crowd. That would give Jacksonville the 53-51 win, sending NKU to 2-7 on the year and 0-1 to start in the A-Sun

 Three point shooting kept the Norse in this game hitting 9 threes from deep .429%. Other than that NKU had chances to win the game but, let it slip away. .



NKU                                      Dolphins

Snodgrass 12                          R. Powell     10
Jackson      8                          Graham          9
Jones          7                          Haywood       8
White         6                          G. Powell       6
Watson      6                           Fritsch           5

San Diego hosts NKU

San Diego Senior F Chris Manresa

The Division 1 era in NKU Men's basketball begins tonight at 10:00 p.m. EST as the Univeristy of San Diego Toreros (1-0) host the Norse (0-0) at Jenny Craig Pavilion. This game is the first of nine games for the 2012 NUCDF Basketball Challenge with other participating teams being Cal State Northridge, Siena College and the University of Tulsa - All of which NKU will play this week.

 Last season the Toreros went 13-18 (7-9 WCC) and return two key seniors in forwards Chris Manresa and Ken Rancifer.

NKU returns seniors PG Ethan Faulkner, SG Eshaunte Jones, and PF/C Ernest "Stretch" Watson, who all are expected to be key contributors this season.

NKU Projected Starters:
PG - Ethan Faulkner- SR - 6''1
SG - Eshaunte Jones - SR - 6''4
SF - Chad Jackson - JR - 6''4
PF - "Stretch" Watson - SR - 6''7
C - Jalen Billups - SO - 6''6

USD Projected Starters:
PG - Christopher Anderson - SO - 5''7
SG - Johnny Dee - SO - 6''0
SF - Ken Rancifer - SR - 6''5
PF - Chris Manresa - SR - 6''9
C - Simi Fajensin - SO - 6''10

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