Efficient and entertaining, Holland newest member of NKU’s 1,000-point club; Norse meet UDM Sunday

By Don Owen
NKyTribune reporter

As point guards go, Northern Kentucky University’s Lavone Holland II is about as efficient and entertaining as they get.

The senior from Louisville leads the Horizon League in assists per game (5.2), averages 13.5 points per contest and shoots 82.6 percent from the free-throw line. Holland is also a powerful dunker, despite standing just 6-foot-1, and his slam against the University of Kentucky in last season’s NCAA Tournament is a must-see highlight.

And as of Friday night, Holland is now the newest member of NKU’s 1,000-point club. He joined that exclusive group during the Norse’s 87-83 road win over Oakland. Holland finished with 19 points in that victory, and his jumper with 15:59 showing on the clock in the second half gave him 1,001 career points.

Holland became the second NKU player this season to reach 1,000 career points, joining teammate Drew McDonald as a member of the exclusive club. McDonald netted his 1,000th career point on Dec. 2 during a win over Morehead State at BB&T Arena.

“Lavone has made himself into a very good point guard by continuing to work,” NKU head coach John Brannen said. “You have to remember that Lavone actually played power forward in high school and even some in junior college. He’s worked at becoming an excellent point guard.

“Lavone does so much for us, makes excellent decisions, and he has the ability to make plays or set up others for good shots.”

Holland’s effectiveness as a point guard can also be measured by the fact he leads the Horizon League in assist-to-turnover ratio at 2.6. He also averages 4.0 rebounds per game and is second on the team with 19 steals.

“I’m here to do what’s best for the team, distribute the ball and put my teammates in a position to be successful,” Holland said.

NKU enters Sunday’s road game at Detroit Mercy with a 10-5 overall record, including 3-0 in the Horizon League. Detroit Mercy is 4-12 overall, 0-3 in the Horizon League, and the Titans have dropped 10 consecutive games.

Detroit Mercy features Kameron Chatman, who averages 18 points per game and a Horizon League-leading 8.8 rebounds per contest. Corey Allen averages 15.6 points for the Titans, who lost to Wright State on Friday night by an 80-73 score.

A year ago, NKU swept both games from Detroit Mercy, including an 81-70 win at Calihan Hall in Detroit.

WHAT: Northern Kentucky (10-5, 3-0 HL) at Detroit Mercy (4-12, 0-3 HL)
WHEN: Sunday, 2 p.m.
WHERE: Detroit, Mich.
ARENA: Calihan Hall (8,295 capacity)
TV: ESPN3
RADIO: ESPN 1530
SERIES: NKU leads, 3-1

HORIZON LEAGUE STANDINGS

Contact Don Owen at don@nkytrib.com