By Don Owen
NKyTribune reporter
Less than two months ago, Northern Kentucky University pulled out an 88-85 victory in double-overtime at Northern Illinois. Norse guard Zaynah Robinson — who did not score in regulation — netted all 13 of his points in the two overtimes and singlehandedly led NKU to that road win on Nov. 9.
When those two teams get together Thursday night at 7 p.m. for the rematch at BB&T Arena, Robinson is hoping to be a factor in regulation this time.
NKU is 9-3 after posting a 72-66 win over Miami (Ohio) on Sunday night. Northern Illinois brings a 6-4 record into Thursday’s game at NKU.
“Both teams have played at least 10 games, and I think we’ve both found our identities,” NKU senior forward Drew McDonald said of the rematch with Northern Illinois. “They were also without one of their better guards. They have some really good big men who are very physical, and they are a very good team.”
The guard McDonald referred to is Eugene German, who averages 21.4 points per game. German averaged 20.6 points per contest last season and then declared for the NBA Draft in March. He later withdrew his name to return to Northern Illinois for this season.
German, however, was suspended early this season for a pair of incidents away from the basketball court and missed the NKU game on Nov. 9. But he will be in uniform Thursday night and gives the Huskies an outstanding scoring threat in the backcourt.
McDonald averages 18.6 points per game, and he also leads NKU at 9.3 rebounds per contest. The Cold Spring native’s five double-doubles this season rank 18th nationally. In the win at Northern Illinois on Nov. 9, McDonald collected a double-double with a game-high 28 points and 14 rebounds.
NKU’s Tyler Sharpe averages 14.2 points per game. Sharpe has also made at least three 3-pointers in each of the last eight games. Teammate Dantez Walton averages 11.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
NKU is 7-0 at BB&T Arena this season and is 30-4 at home since the start of the 2016-17 campaign. The Norse have won 15 consecutive home games against non-conference opponents, with the last defeat being an 82-74 loss to North Carolina Central on Nov. 26, 2016.
NKU has played the past two games without sophomore guard Jalen Tate, still battling the effects of an injured groin. Tate averages 11.6 points and 3.5 assists per game, and he is also the Norse’s top defensive player. NKU head coach John Brannen said after the Miami (Ohio) game that Tate is out indefinitely.
Thursday, Dec. 20
BB&T Arena (9,400), Highland Heights, Ky.
Northern Illinois (6-4) at NKU (9-3), 7 p.m.
NKU Radio: ESPN 1530 (1530 AM)
Series Record: NKU leads, 1-0
Last Meeting: NKU 88, NIU 85 (2ot), (Nov. 9, 2018)