Box Score (PDF)

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky.- The Northern Kentucky University men's basketball team (8-11, 2-2 A-Sun) met in Atlantic Sun play against the North Florida Ospreys (12-9, 4-0 ASun). Despite Chad Jackson's double-double, finishing 10-for-15 from the field for a career-high 26 points with 12 rebounds, two assists, and two steals, the Norse fell, 74-66, to the Ospreys.
 
The Norse went bucket for bucket in the opening minutes of the first half against the Ospreys. A strong effort by Jalen Billups, who entered the game as the leading shooter in the conference at 67 percent, helped NKU keep the score tight early.
 
Both teams struggled from the field in similar fashion, but North Florida carved out its largest lead of the half, 24-16, with 5:22 remaining.
 
NKU was only down 33-27 at the break after a buzzer-beating basket by Jordan Jackson added some momentum headed into the locker rooms.
 
An early and-one opportunity converted by Chad Jackson at the 18:38 mark helped the Norse get off to a good start. Then, with the shot clock winding down, Tyler White buried a long-range three to bring the Norse within four (37-33) at 17:45.
 
Chad Jackson and White led NKU on an 8-0 barrage to bring the Norse within three, 48-45, with ten minutes remaining.
 
Northern Kentucky kept battling and used a four point run on two free throws from Billups and a Chad Jackson tip-in put the Norse within four, 62-58, with 2:31 remaining. NKU's defense locked down, but Beau Beech connected on a hotly contested 3-pointer to extend the Norse deficit to seven.
 
Over the final 1:20 of the game, North Florida knocked down seven free throws to add to its lead and bring the final margin to eight, 74-66.
 
Chad Jackson's previous career-high came two years ago against North Florida. He totaled 21 points in the game.
 
Billups ended the game with 18 points, going 8-for-11 from the floor and adding five rebounds, two blocks and a steal. White finished with 12 points, three rebounds and an assist. As a team, NKU shot 26-for-60 (43.3 percent) from the field.
 
North Florida had a trio of players reach double-figures. high scorers including Chris DavenportChris Davenport led with 24 points, going 7-for-9 from the field and 9-for-10 from the charity stripe. Beech ended the night with 14 points and seven boards and, Moore had 19 points, four assists and four rebounds. UNF connected on 23-for-51 (45.1 percentage) of its shot attempts.
 
The Norse return to action at the Bank of Kentucky Center this Saturday against Jacksonville. Tip-off is set for 1 PM.