NKU is playing as a true cohesive unit this season rather than relying on one or two players to carry the load. There’s no better evidence of this than seeing Donovan Oday — arguably NKU’s most important player — coming off the bench because his energy is so valuable in that role, while Tae Dozier fills the starting spot seamlessly. When asked postgame about his shift to the bench, Oday said:
“Whatever is needed to do to win; I’m comfortable doing whatever helps the team.”
This year’s Norse group is unlike any other team Coach Horn has fielded since taking over in Highland Heights. NKU has eight players averaging 6+ points per game, and any of them are capable of hitting double figures on any given night. Tonight’s win over Eastern Kentucky University was a perfect example of that balance — four players reached double digits, and all four hit timely, clutch shots in the final stretch.
First Half: A Slow Start Turns into a Fight
NKU opened the game sluggishly on offense, but still managed to jump out to a 12–2 lead roughly six minutes in. By the under-12 media timeout, that margin had shrunk to four, and EKU continued to chip away before taking a two-point lead into halftime.
At the break:
- NKU shot 5–17 from deep
- EKU committed 8 turnovers, which prevented the margin from widening
- The +/- numbers were stark:
- NKU was +8 with Donovan Oday on the floor
- NKU was –14 with Ethan Elliot on the floor
While +/- can be volatile, it matched the eye test: when Oday checked in, NKU looked better on both ends.
Second Half: A Strong Start & Steady Finish
NKU came out firing after the break, scoring 12 points in the first four minutes and quickly reclaiming the lead. The Norse never trailed again.
EKU kept the game tight through the under-8 timeout, but key plays from Dan Gherezgher — including a difficult, momentum-shifting three — helped NKU stretch the lead and ultimately control the final minutes.
NKY’s Takeaways
1. Improved 2nd half Shot Selection
NKU went 5–17 from three in the first half and 5–13 in the second — the same number of makes, but on fewer attempts. That small difference reflects the halftime message:
stop settling and play inside-out.
Still, shooting 30 threes and hitting 33% isn’t always sustainable as competition stiffens. Shot quality remains a major point of emphasis moving forward.
2. Competing on the Glass
EKU is a physical group, yet NKU gave up only a 35–34 deficit on the boards. It’s not a stat that will make headlines, but for Coach Horn — who stresses rebounding with urgency — it’s meaningful progress.
3. Balanced Playmaking & Turnovers
- 12 assists to 11 turnovers
- 9 steals forced
- 14 EKU turnovers created
- 13 points off turnovers (compared to EKU’s 14)
NKU generated disruption defensively but didn’t fully capitalize on it. They also lost the fast-break category 17–15.
4. Free Throw Line Improvement
NKU entered the night near the bottom nationally in FT% — but tonight was a step forward. They’re now up to 68.9% (241st nationally). Still low, but trending the right direction.
5. Metrics & Analytics Check-In
NKU is now:
- 215th in KenPom
- 190th in defensive efficiency (their stronger side)
- 8th nationally in steal% at 15.6%
Creating turnovers is a real identity for this group. LJ Wells leads the way with the 73rd overall steal % in the country.
Postgame Comments
Coach Horn on halftime adjustments:
“Mostly stuff that cannot be repeated at a press conference.”
He emphasized NKU was settling far too often for early threes against EKU’s zone and needed to attack inside-out to generate rhythm and better looks. He also expressed frustration with the inconsistent effort level whenever shots weren’t falling.
On season goals:
“Three games in March is all that matters to me.”
A perfect reminder: everything NKU does this season is geared toward winning the Horizon League Tournament and returning to the NCAA Tournament. Wins like this — grinding, imperfect, resilient — build toward that objective.
Additional Note: Sam Vinson’s Status
There remains a possibility that Sam Vinson could receive an injunction. His hearing is scheduled for December 2nd, at which point a decision will be made on whether he’ll be eligible to return.
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