Final: Oakland: 82 | Northern Kentucky: 77

Tonight’s matchup between Oakland and Northern Kentucky delivered exactly what the analytics suggested it would: a highly competitive game that was effectively a toss-up entering the night.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with Oakland taking a 41–38 lead into the break. LJ Wells led all scorers at halftime with 16 points and seven rebounds. Oakland had two players in double figures, as Isaac Garrett (13) and Michael Houge (10) both made early impacts.

That trend continued into the second half, as neither team led by more than six points at any time. With 2:02 remaining, NKU held a slim 73–71 advantage. However, Oakland closed the game on an 11–4 run to pull away for a five-point victory.

The deciding factor ultimately came down to the three-point line and the free-throw disparity. Both teams made six threes, but Oakland was far more efficient, shooting 6-of-18 (33%) compared to NKU’s 6-of-26 (23%). As has been discussed throughout the season, NKU’s heavy reliance on the three-point shot naturally limits their ability to draw fouls. That dynamic showed up again tonight, with the Norse attempting just 12 free throws (making nine). Oakland, meanwhile, attempted 29 free throws, converting 20. Despite their struggles at the stripe, that +11 attempt advantage was enough to swing the outcome.

Key Performances

Northern Kentucky

• Kael Robinson: 22 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 steals, 4 turnovers
• LJ Wells: 18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover
• Tae Dozier: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks, 1 steal, 1 turnover
• Donovan Oday: 11 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals, 1 block, 1 turnover
• Ethan Elliott: 10 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover

• Dan Gherezgher: 3 points on 1-of-14 shooting (1-of-9 from three), 2 turnovers

Dan’s was the most impactful performance of the night—but not in a positive way. NKU needs more from its star guard. That said, credit must also be given to Oakland’s defense, which clearly made Gherezgher uncomfortable throughout the game.

Oakland

• Michael Houge: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers
• Brody Robinson: 16 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 4 turnovers
• Isaac Garrett: 15 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 turnover
• Ziare Wells: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
• Brett White: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
• Khoi Thurmon: 4 steals

Ethan Elliott Watch

I have been critical of Ethan Elliott during his recent slump, but tonight he delivered his best performances in several games. He played an excellent 32 minutes, shooting 4-of-7 from the field and 1-of-2 from three. This is exactly the type of production Coach Horn and his staff are looking for. The old saying “water always finds its level” feels appropriate here—Elliott was due for a positive regression. The next step is sustaining it into Sunday.

NKU Takeaways

• Fouling remains a concern. NKU committed 21 personal fouls, including Donovan Oday fouling out late. The Norse now rank 321st nationally in opponent free-throw attempts per field goal attempt (FTA/FGA) at 44.1. That number will continue to cost NKU games if it does not improve.
• Drawing fouls is also an issue. NKU ranks 307th nationally in offensive FTA/FGA at 29.1. When combined with the defensive foul problem, this is a formula for losing close games.
• The three-point reliance isn’t changing. NKU ranks 95th nationally in three-point attempt rate, with 43.7% of its shots coming from deep. That creates explosive upside on good shooting nights—but on nights like tonight, when the shots don’t fall, margins become razor thin.
• Ball security was a positive. Both teams finished with 10 turnovers. Oakland ranks 19th nationally in steals forced, so NKU’s ability to protect the ball was encouraging. However, the Norse managed just eight points off turnovers, while Oakland scored 12. This continues to be an area where NKU must improve.
• Paint scoring was a bright spot. NKU won the points-in-the-paint battle, scoring 50 against a physical Oakland defense. That is something to build on, particularly when the three-point shot isn’t falling.

Overall, there were both positives and negatives to take from the loss, but the mission remains unchanged: win the league. NKU now sits at 1–2 in Horizon League play, putting them slightly behind the curve. However, both losses have come against two of the league’s top teams, and the Norse were competitive in each.

NKU will look to bounce back Sunday, December 21, when Chris Mack comes to Truist Arena as the Charleston Cougars come to town. With the Bengals out of the playoff race, this is a prime opportunity to pack the arena and watch high-level college basketball.

Photo Credit: NKU Athletics