Northern Kentucky holds off South Dakota rally to win 102-94
Jahni Summers scored 24 points, but the Norse’s 62.5% shooting and free throw efficiency sealed the victory in Vermillion.
By Nadia Rahman ·
Northern Kentucky basketball defeated South Dakota 102-94 on Wednesday night at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center in Vermillion. The Norse improved their season record to 1-1, while the Coyotes fell to 1-1 after a strong start to their campaign.
Jahni Summers led South Dakota with 24 points in his second game as a Coyote. Vince Buzelis added 20 points, a new career high for the player. The two scorers were key to keeping the game close despite Northern Kentucky’s offensive surge. Noah Pagotto contributed 18 points for the visitors, while Eric Acker added 15.
The first half featured a tight contest with frequent lead changes. Northern Kentucky built a 24-16 advantage off a 9-0 run with 11:49 remaining in the first half. South Dakota responded with back-to-back baskets from Kajus Kublickas and a three-pointer from Josiah Dotzler. Buzelis hit a three-pointer late in the half, and Dotzler’s steal led to a Kublickas basket, cutting the deficit to one point with 23 seconds left. Northern Kentucky answered with a final bucket to hold a 52-47 lead at the break.
The second half saw Northern Kentucky pull away before a late push. The Norse extended their lead to 86-71 with 6:29 remaining. Kublickas sparked a 10-2 run for the Coyotes, capped by a steal and score from Cade Kelderman. South Dakota cut the lead to four points twice in the final minute. Northern Kentucky went 9-for-10 from the free throw line in the final minute to secure the win.
The Coyotes shot 53.1% from the field and made 9 of 25 three-point attempts. Northern Kentucky shot 62.5% from the field and made 9 of 14 three-point attempts. Both teams scored 50 points in the paint. South Dakota had the edge in second chance points, 16-12, and bench points, 23-13. Northern Kentucky scored more points off turnovers, 21-16, and on fast breaks, 19-9.
Summers, Buzelis, Kublickas, and Stef van Bussel all scored in double figures for the second straight game. Kublickas had 15 points, and van Bussel added 13. The Coyotes host Cal State Fullerton in the South Dakota Coyote Sports Center on Saturday at 1 p.m. for their next matchup.
