McDonald sets NKU all-time scoring record, Norse claim share of Horizon League regular-season title

NKyTribune staff

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Drew McDonald continues breaking records at Northern Kentucky University, and his latest milestone helped the Norse claim a share of the Horizon League regular-season championship.

McDonald set the all-time NKU career scoring record Saturday afternoon as the Norse pulled out an 86-82 win over Green Bay. The 6-foot-8 senior netted 13 points and passed Craig Sanders (2,007 points) as the all-time leading scorer in Norse history.

McDonald, a Newport Central Catholic graduate, now has 2,011 career points. On Saturday, he scored all 13 of his points in the second half and surpassed the NKU all-time record with a 3-pointer at the 7:05 mark.

Jalen Tate scored a career-high 30 points and dished out six assists for NKU, which improved to 23-8 overall, 13-5 in the Horizon League. Tate also converted a key basket in the final minute as the Norse clinched at least a share of the Horizon League regular-season championship.

Wright State entered Saturday tied with NKU atop the Horizon League standings, and the Raiders can earn a share of the title with a win at Milwaukee on Saturday night.

Tyler Sharpe added 16 points and nine rebounds for NKU, while Dantez Walton finished with 11 points. Sandy Cohen III scored 25 points for Green Bay, which dropped to 16-15 overall, 10-8 in the Horizon League.

NKU is now 5-3 all-time against Green Bay and owns a five-game winning streak in the series.

NKU will play host to a first-round Horizon League Tournament game at BB&T Arena on March 6 at 7 p.m. against an opponent to be determined. Pairings will be finalized following Saturday’s games.

(Information compiled from NKU Athletics Communications and staff reports)