LOUISVILLE, Ky.--In game that resembled two heavyweight boxing champions going toe to toe, it was the No. 2 Bellarmine University men's basketball team that finally delivered the knockout blow to record an 85-74 victory over the Northern Kentucky Norse in a Great Lakes Valley Conference contest in Knights Hall tonight.
"That was a tough game," said Bellarmine Coach Scott Davenport. "You had both teams bringing it for the full 40 minutes."
The Knights (17-1, 10-0 GLVC) opened up a 14-point lead during the first half, but the Norse clawed their way back into it with solid defense to take a brief one-point lead before Jeremy Kendle converted two free throws to put Bellarmine ahead 43-42 at the break.
Coming out of the locker rooms in the second half, the two GLVC powerhouses traded blows for the first eight and a half minutes. The Knights never surrendered the lead, but were clinging to a just 1-point lead at the 11:23 mark when Bellarmine slowly started pulling away.
Like the prize fighter who finally starts landing punches, Bellarmine finally started getting defensive stops and converting on the offensive end to build a double digit lead.
After the Norse (13-4, 6-3), pulled within eight at the 2:01 mark, Bellarmine freshman Keisten Jones landed the knockout blow by drilling a 3-pointer after the Knights had milked most of the 35-second shot clock.
The shot gave Bellarmine an 83-72 lead with just 1:27 remaining and dashed the hopes of the visitors from Highland Heights.
Statistically both teams turned in solid performances. Bellarmine shot 51.7 percent while committing just five turnovers, and the Norse made 47.5 percent from the field and turned the ball over just nine times.
"The shooting percentages astound me, because both played tremendous defense," said Davenport. "(NKU) came at us with a great deal of athleticism, and for our guys to turn it over just five times is incredible."
Kendle led five Bellarmine double digit scorers with a game high 22, and the Jeffersonville, Ind., senior also pulled down five rebounds and dished out five assists. Braydon Hobbs, who registered his 1,000th career point in the first half, finished with 11 points, eight assists and two steals.
Nick Holmes, who may have been playing for family bragging rights since his sister coaches volleyball at NKU, had a team high seven rebounds and tossed in 13 points for the Knights.
Northern Kentucky was led by Josh Tabb with 14 points while Bobby Shannon and Malcolm Elleby each scored 13.
Despite a heavy snow during the day that canceled many events in the city, nearly 2,000 fans showed up for the game. "What a crowd," Davenport said. "I can tell you that the entire team is appreciative of everyone coming out."
Throughout the night, Bellarmine honored six local sports "legends" during breaks in the action. The Knights Hall crowd gave rousing welcomes to Brian Brohm, Darrell Griffith, Will Wolford, DeJuan Wheat, Pat Day and Billy Reed.
The Knights now get a well-earned week off before hosting GLVC opponent Illinois-Springfield on Thursday, Jan. 27. Tip is scheduled for 8 pm.
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