From NKU Athletics
Northern Kentucky women’s basketball bowed out in the first round of the 2017 Little Caesars Horizon League Basketball Championship, falling 72-60 to No. 10 seed UIC.
The Norse end the 2016-17 season with a 9-22 record, while the Flames advanced to the second round where they will play No. 2 seed Wright State.
Stat Leaders
· Redshirt-freshman guard Taryn Taugher led the Norse with 14 points, marking the sixth straight game that she had scored in double figures.
· Senior forward Rebecca Lyttle had her ninth double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds, also leading the team with four steals and a block.
· Junior guard Mikayla Terry chipped in 10 points and dished out four assists.
First Half Summary
· After trading baskets to start the game, UIC jumped out to a five-point lead, 10-5, which the Norse were not able to overcome throughout the remainder of the half.
· The Flames shot 50.0 percent in the first quarter, holding NKU to 35.7 percent from the field.
· UIC strung together an eight-point run early in the second quarter to hold a 27-16 lead, tying the largest of the half for the Flames.
· NKU was able to chip away at the lead in the final minute of the half, sitting at a seven-point deficit down 33-26.
· The Norse were able to shoot 60.0 percent in the second quarter, but the Flames still held a high efficiency at 46.2 percent.
Second Half Summary
· NKU struggled in the third quarter, shooting 26.7 percent from the field while UIC outscored the Norse, 25-9.
· The Norse made a valiant effort in the final quarter, posting 25 points and closing the scoring gap to 10 points, 64-54, with 3:45 remaining in the contest.
· Fouling sent UIC to the free throw line in the final minutes, which allowed the Flames to hold the advantage until the close of the contest.
