NKU Falls to #14 Purdue on the Road, 72-50

by Sean Mackey

Northern Kentucky University's men’s basketball team faced a formidable challenge in their second game of the season, falling to No. 14 Purdue, 72-50, at Mackey Arena. Despite the loss, NKU showed resilience and flashes of potential, with several players stepping up in what proved to be a valuable learning experience against one of the top-ranked teams in the nation.

Game Recap and Key Performances

Final Score: Purdue 72, Northern Kentucky 50
Location: Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, Indiana
Records: NKU (0-2), Purdue (2-0)

Purdue came out strong, establishing an 18-4 lead early in the first half with a 12-0 scoring run. However, NKU responded with solid defense and an improved offensive effort, capitalizing on a nearly six-minute scoring drought by Purdue to stay within reach. By halftime, Purdue held a 37-24 advantage.

NKU struggled to find consistent scoring, shooting just 30% from the field, but they managed to match Purdue in rebounds (33 each), showing strength on the boards. The Norse also gained a 15-8 edge in offensive rebounds, which helped them stay competitive against a taller Boilermaker team.

While no NKU player reached double digits in scoring, several players made notable contributions:

• Sam Vinson: Returning from injury, Vinson led the defensive charge with eight points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists.
• Trey Robinson: Scored eight points, adding six rebounds and going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
• Keeyan Itejere: Showed his athleticism with eight points in 19 minutes, including an electrifying dunk that brought energy to the NKU bench.
• Paulis Rapolis: The 7-foot freshman from Lithuania made his debut, adding four points and four rebounds.
• Josh Dilling: Contributed seven points, five rebounds, and three assists, showcasing his versatility.

Purdue, led by Fletcher Loyer with 16 points, shot 50% from the field and made nine three-pointers, including a clutch 4-for-5 performance from Loyer. Although NKU made only 5 of 23 three-point attempts, two of these came in the closing minutes, highlighting areas for potential improvement as they move forward.

Key Takeaways

NKU showed resilience against a top-tier team, managing to keep turnovers balanced at 13 each. They also matched Purdue on the boards, demonstrating their grit and ability to compete physically. With a solid showing on the free-throw line (11-for-14), NKU will look to capitalize on these positive aspects in their upcoming games.

Looking Ahead: Home Opener Against Nicholls State

NKU now sets its sights on Nicholls State for their home opener at Truist Arena next Thursday (11/14) at 7 PM.