NKU took Cincinnati into overtime Saturday night in Fifth Third Arena.
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Box score
CINCINNATI – As the final seconds of regulation ticked away Saturday night, it appeared the Northern Kentucky University women's basketball team might leave Fifth Third Arena with a victory against Cincinnati.
With the score tied at 52-all and less than five seconds left, NKU's
Casse Mogan drove down the right side of the lane and put up a short runner that would have given the Norse the victory. The ball, however, bounced off the rim at the buzzer, sending the exhibition game into overtime.
Cincinnati then hit three free throws in the final 41 seconds of overtime to escape with a 57-55 win against NKU.
Cincinnati's Kayla Cook buried two free throws with 41 seconds left to give her team a 56-54 lead. NKU had three shots to tie on its next possession, but the Norse were unable to convert.
Jeanise Randolph made one of two free throws with 11 seconds remaining to extend Cincinnati's advantage to 57-54. NKU's
Kayla Thacker was fouled with 1.2 seconds left on the clock while rebounding a missed 3-pointer, and the freshman made one of two free throws for the final margin.
Jaimie Hamlet scored 15 points, 10 of those in the first half, to lead NKU. Hamlet also buried a trio of 3-pointers. Mogan finished with 14 points and also dished out four assists.
Sadie Bowling grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds for NKU, which won the battle of the boards by a 47-38 margin. The Norse were just 11-for-23 (47.8 percent) from the free-throw line, while Cincinnati converted 11-for-14 of its charity tosses.
NKU held the Bearcats to 33.9 percent shooting from the field, but the Norse made just 32.3 percent of their own attempts.
Kendra Caldwell added seven points and seven rebounds for NKU, while teammates
Kelsey Simpson and
Ellen Holton each netted six points.
Shareese Ulis led Cincinnati with 16 points. Two years ago, NKU posted a 56-52 win against Cincinnati in Fifth Third Arena in an exhibition game.
NKU begins the regular season Friday by traveling to Florida to meet Lynn (Fla.). The Norse conclude the two-game road trip Saturday with a game against Nova Southeastern.
