McDonald scores 27, N Kentucky beats IUPUI 77-59 in Horizon
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. -- Drew McDonald scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and Northern Kentucky shot 57 percent from the floor to defeat Horizon League newcomer IUPUI 77-59 in the conference opener on Thursday night.
McDonald made 11 of 16 shots and seven of his 10 rebounds were off the defensive glass which is where the Norse (8-5) pulled down 30 of their 38 rebounds and limited IUPUI to 34-percent shooting (21-for-62).
Carson Williams added 11 points and Lavone Holland II had eight assists for Northern Kentucky, the reigning Horizon champion picked to finish second this season.
The Jaguars (3-9) were led by 11 points from D. J. McCall, the only player to reach double figures. IUPUI had taken a nine-point early lead (21-12) only to watch it disappear when Northern Kentucky reeled off a 19-0 answering run. The Norse held IUPUI without a field goal over the last 10:48 of the first half and led 31-22 at the break.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Chris Beaver
- Rob Kueneman
- Kevin Ferguson
2023-24 Horizon League Standings
Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
---|---|---|---|
Oakland | 15-5 | - | 24-12 |
Youngstown State | 14-6 | 1 | 22-10 |
Green Bay | 13-7 | 2 | 18-14 |
Wright State | 13-7 | 2 | 18-14 |
Milwaukee | 12-8 | 3 | 20-15 |
Northern Kentucky | 12-8 | 3 | 18-15 |
Purdue Fort Wayne | 11-9 | 4 | 23-13 |
Cleveland State | 11-9 | 4 | 21-15 |
Robert Morris | 6-14 | 9 | 10-22 |
IUPUI | 2-18 | 13 | 6-26 |
Detroit Mercy | 1-19 | 14 | 1-31 |