Box Score
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Tayler Persons poured in a game-high 15 points for the Northern Kentucky University men's basketball team in a 71-55 setback to UT Martin at The Bank of Kentucky Center on Wednesday night.
Persons was one of three Norse players in double figures. Tyler White added 12 points and Chad Jackson chipped in 10, as NKU fell to 3-4 on the season in advance of Sunday's showdown against No. 16/17 West Virginia.
Marshun Newell and Alex Anderson each had 15 points to lead UT Martin (4-2) while Newell grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds to claim a double-double. Deville Smith added in 14 points for the Skyhawks, who shot 52.9 percent (27-of-51) on the game.
"I felt like tonight we got out of the gate and we were okay, but what you saw late in the first half is how we practiced," said head coach Dave Bezold of his team's performance. "We really struggled in practice with energy and sharpness, and that's my responsibility. I don't want to take anything away from UT Martin, though, they're really talented. They have great balance, point guards who can make plays and post guys who can rebound and score."
The game started with the teams trading baskets early, as NKU held a 9-8 lead before Jalen Billups picked up his second foul at the 15:32 mark. UT Martin took advantage of NKU's big man being on the bench, posting a 14-0 run to give the Skyhawks a 32-16 lead with 2:16 left in the half. NKU battled back, as Persons and Daniel Camps scored six-straight points for NKU to cut the UT Martin lead to 10 points at halftime, 32-22.
The Skyhawks extended their lead to 18 points at 47-29 thanks to an 11-3 run over a 3:13 span early in the second half. Twymond Howard picked up five of his 10 points during the stretch, while Newell added four points.
UT Martin won the rebounding battle over the course of the night, 37-22. NKU could only come as close as 14 points down the stretch while UT Martin shot 61.9 percent in the second half.
"This whole run is geared towards making us better for Atlantic Sun Conference play," added Bezold. "We've got a difficult schedule, but we're going to be ready for the conference."
The Norse continue their challenging nonconference schedule on Sunday, hosting No. 16/17 West Virginia. The Bank of Kentucky Center box office will be open for special hours on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon until game time at 6 p.m.
