Mike Foster (Sports Director)
@michaelsfoster
The weather couldn’t hold back the Norse. The Atlantic Sun Conference’s newest member will make its second-ever visit to the Convocation Center Friday night, with tip-off slated for 7 p.m. The matchup between the Owls and Norse was originally set for Thursday night, but pushed back because of the icy conditions that halted the southeast during the week.
KSU (4-21, 1-11 A-Sun) will try to carry some positive momentum from an inspired performance against in-state rival Mercer in its last outing. The Owls held a lead with just over 3 minutes left to play in last Friday’s game, but couldn’t hold off the Bears in a 75-68 defeat. 3,624 attended the contest.
Northern Kentucky (8-17, 4-9 A-Sun) heads into Friday’s game on a five-game skid. 6 foot 6 forward Jalen Billups will be the Owls biggest concern on both ends of the floor. Billups is shooting over .500 in field goal percentage, along with 132 rebounds and 30 blocks in 2013-14.
KSU will look for more electricity from its most capable scorer in Orlando Coleman, who threw down two alley-oops and featured some nice mid-range game in his last outing. The Owls continue to struggle with consistent player production, especially inside. Andrew Osemhen, who returns to the lineup after a one-game suspension, might be the best matchup with Billups inside.
NKU heads into the contest just 2-9 away from its home in Highland Heights, Ky. NKU is not eligible to place in the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament as it continues to transition from Division II to Division I. KSU still stands at 9th place in the conference behind Jacksonville (5-8 A-Sun). Only the top eight teams qualify for the A-Sun tournament.
Make sure to tune in to tonight’s broadcast, live, from the Convocation Center. Just head back to the home page and click on Live 365 in the “Watch Live” tab.
