By Don Owen
NKyTribune reporter
BALTIMORE — Instead of relying on its renowned 3-point wizardry Sunday afternoon, the University of Maryland-Baltimore County turned to the penetrating drives and quick moves of Jairus Lyles against Northern Kentucky University.
Lyles pumped in a game-high 31 points as UMBC survived a last-second NKU shot attempt to pull out a 76-75 win over the visiting Norse. The Retrievers (8-5) entered the game leading the nation in 3-pointers made with 151, and UMBC connected on 10 treys against NKU.
UMBC’s Jairus Lyles (10) shoots over NKU’s Jordan Garnett (1) during the first half Sunday. Lyles scored 31 points as UMBC defeated NKU, 76-75. (Photo by Brian Gonzalez)But it was the penetration of the lightning-quick Lyles that ultimately helped UMBC hold off NKU. Lyles’ ability to draw fouls resulted in 13 free throws, 10 of which the senior guard converted. He poured in 19 points during the second half and controlled the game in the final minutes with his determination to get into the lane, scoring UMBC’s final 11 points. Lyles also dished out six assists and shot 9-for-21 from the field.
“We could not stop Lyles and his ability to make plays,” NKU head coach John Brannen said. “UMBC has an outstanding team, but this is a game we could have won.”
Holland received the inbounds pass, drove down the right side of the lane and split two defenders as he attacked the basket. His short jumper hit the back of the iron and rimmed out as the buzzer sounded, allowing UMBC to remain unbeaten (6-0) at home this season.
“It was exactly what we wanted, Lavone got to the rim and had a great shot,” Brannen said. “I’d take that shot 10 out of 10 times. It was executed perfectly, it just didn’t fall.”
NKU dropped to 7-4, and three of its losses are by a combined five points. The Norse also fell in the closing seconds to both Vermont (66-64) and Memphis (76-74).
Sunday’s game featured 12 ties and 13 lead changes. Neither team led by more than six points (NKU in the first half) at any time.
Drew McDonald poured in 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead NKU against UMBC. The 6-foot-7 junior netted 14 points in the second half and helped the Norse forge a 70-65 lead with 6:33 remaining, but five straight points by Lyles tied the contest at 70-all.
Jordan Garnett’s basket off an assist from Holland II at the 5:15 mark gave NKU a 72-70 advantage, but Lyles responded by slashing his way for a layup to tie the game. After a Norse turnover, Lyles drew a foul and converted a pair of free throws to give UMBC a 74-72 lead.
“Jairus was great and he carried us,” UMBC head coach Ryan Odom said. “He was able to get to the basket, made tough shots and made the right decisions. All in all, it was a great effort from him.”
NKU sophomore forward Carson Williams added 21 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field. Williams entered the game ranked No. 6 nationally in field-goal percentage at .709. The Owen County High School product also collected five rebounds and two steals on Sunday.
Holland finished with 15 points, six assists and five rebounds. He scored 14 points in the first half as NKU and UMBC went to the locker rooms tied at 43-all.
The Norse shot 48.2 percent from the field for the game and were 9-for-23 from 3-point range. NKU enjoyed a sizzling first half from long range, knocking down seven treys in 11 attempts.
In the second half, the Norse were 2-for-12 from 3-point range.
UMBC made 41.7 percent of its attempts from the field and was 10-for-23 from beyond the arc. NKU utilized both man-to-man and zone defenses to keep the Retrievers off balance.
“We usually don’t play a lot of zone, but I thought switching up [the defense] kept them from getting in a rhythm, going on a big run,” Brannen said.
Joe Sherburne scored 11 points for the Retrievers, while Jourdan Grant added 10 points. UMBC won 21 games a year ago and is expected to challenge Vermont and Albany for the America East Conference title this season.
Sunday’s game marked the first meeting between NKU and UMBC.
NKU will meet nationally ranked Texas A&M on Tuesday at 8 p.m. The Aggies (9-1) are currently ranked No. 9 in the Associated Press poll.
NKU returns home to begin Horizon League play on Dec. 28, when IUPUI visits BB&T Arena at 7:30 p.m.
Contact Don Owen at don@nkytrib.com