NORMAL, Ill. – Northern Kentucky women's basketball faltered in its first road contest of the year, falling to Illinois State in a 49-37 decision. The Norse drop to 0-2 on the year, while the Redbirds advance to 1-1.
STAT LEADERS
- Molly Glick led the Norse with 11 points, and also added two blocks, two assists and a steal. Glick has led the team in scoring in both contests this year.
- Samari Mowbray added nine points off the bench.
- Kailey Coffey pulled down a team-high seven rebounds and added five points, a block and a steal.
FIRST HALF SUMMARY
- After a slow start, the Norse were able to take the lead at 8-7 off a putback from Mowbray.
- The Norse shot 42.9 percent in the opening quarter, leading the Redbirds 13-11.
- The Norse held ISU scoreless for the first five minutes of the second quarter, leading 17-11.
- Glick led the Norse with six points in the first half and also added two blocks and a steal on the defensive end.
- Coffey chipped in five points and three rebounds, while Mowbray had four points for NKU.
- ISU held the advantage on the boards, out-rebounding NKU 20-16.
SECOND HALF SUMMARY
- NKU was held to just 14 points in the second half, while Illinois State was able to take the lead after dropping 30 points.
- The contest kept tight until the 3:51 mark in the third quarter, when NKU took its final lead of the contest off a Glick 3-pointer for a 30-29 advantage. The Redbirds closed the quarter on an 8-2 run before holding NKU to just five points in the final stanza.
NORSE NOTES
- NKU leads the all-time series against Illinois State, 4-3. This was the first loss to the Redbirds since transitioning to Division I.
- NKU shot well in the first and second quarters, but fell to under 30.0 percent in the third and fourth. Overall, the Norse shot 33.3 percent, while ISU shot 34.8 percent.
- NKU's fouls proved to be fatal, sending the Redbirds to the line 26 times while NKU had just six free throw opportunities.
- Illinois State swiped 12 steals and forced an additional 15 turnovers by the Norse.
- NKU outscored ISU in the paint, 22-18, but the Redbirds had a 26-11 advantage in points off turnovers.
UP NEXT
NKU is back on the road on Saturday, Nov. 18, when the Norse take on in-state foe Murray State. Tipoff against the Racers is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT/7 p.m. ET.
