ROCHESTER, Mich. – Northern Kentucky University Norse men's basketball battled Oakland on Sunday afternoon, looking to avoid slipping below .500 in league play for the first time since December with a loss. The Norse were able to stay in the contest for the first 30 minutes, leading for over 13 minutes overall, but Oakland pulled away late in the second half to claim a 76-65 victory.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Northern Kentucky - 65, Oakland – 76
LOCATION: OU Credit Union O'Rena - Rochester, Mich.
RECORDS: Northern Kentucky: 14-10, 6-7 HL | Oakland: 14-10, 10-3 HL

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN
– The Norse shot just 32.9% from the floor, 22.5% from three on 40 attempts, and 8-13 from the free throw line. They held Oakland to shoot just 42.2% from the field and 27.8% from three, but the Golden Grizzlies had the advantage at the line, shooting 17-24. 
– Northern Kentucky lost the rebound battle 49-40, including 36-26 on the defensive glass. 
– NKU won the turnover battle, 14-11, but Oakland scored more points off those turnovers, 13-11. 
– Donovan Oday led four Norse in double figures with 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists. 
– Tae Dozier had 14 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. 
– Kael Robinson put up 14 points with seven rebounds, knocking down four threes. 
– Dan Gherezgher had 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists. 

UP NEXT
– NKU wraps up play in Michigan on Sunday, taking on Oakland. 

FOLLOW NKU NORSE MEN'S BASKETBALL
Get in the game and follow Northern Kentucky's NCAA Division I college team through @NKUNorseMBB on Twitter, @nkunorsembb on Instagram, nkunorsembb on Facebook and subscribe to the NKU Norse Youtube channel.