7. Northern Kentucky Norse (18-13, 10-10)
NKU just missed upsetting Wright State last night, falling 92-91 after being outscored by 19 over the final 20 minutes. Before the loss to Wright State, the Norse had won four of their last five. It is the Norse’s seventh straight winning season under Darrin Horn.
Northern Kentucky averages the third-most points in the conference at 80.7, despite not being a great-shooting team. The Norse play fast, and turnovers are an issue. Guards Donovan Oday (18.7 points) and Dan Gherezgher Jr. (15.5) lead four players in double-figures.
NKU gets after on the defensive end. The Norse defends the paint well and forces turnovers.
Strengths: Half‑court defense, discipline, and coaching.
Weaknesses: Don’t get much scoring production fromthe bench.
