Northern Kentucky University celebrated one of its greatest Athletics nights in school history on Nov. 16, when the Norse men’s basketball team knocked off across-the-river rival Cincinnati Bearcats, 64-51, in front of a record-setting crowd at Truist Arena.
The matchup came about through an agreement between the two regional schools after the University of Cincinnati used Truist Arena as its home venue during the 2017-18 renovation of Fifth Third Arena. The nearly unnoticed agreement led to one of the most exhilarating nights in NKU history and the first-ever win against UC in basketball.
“It was definitely electric,” Christina Roybal, vice president and director of Athletics, says on an episode of The Norse Up Podcast. “I am so proud of everything that went into that night—from the team playing aggressively from start to finish to the staff that put in the time and energy to make this such a fun atmosphere.”
"When I reflect on what [the win] means, I think it’s a great indication to, not only northern Kentucky, but the region and nationally on just how great of contenders we can be and we are and that we put on a stellar Division I environment program."
More than 8,300 fans, predominantly decked out in NKU black and gold, witnessed history being made early in the game when the Norse took an early 6-0 lead on the Bearcats in the opening minutes. Despite the Bearcats clawing back to take a four-point lead into halftime, the Norse were able to slam the door shut in the second half, holding UC to only 11 points, among the worst halves for the Bearcats in their storied basketball history.
Junior guard Marques Warrick topped the stat sheet for NKU with 22 points, while sophomore guard Sam Vinson contributed 15 points. Fifth-year forward Chris Brandon logged a double-double with 10 points and 16 rebounds.
For the Norse, the win was more than just the lights on the scoreboard. It showed the incredible progress made in the program’s first decade in the top division of college athletics.
“When I reflect on what [the win] means, I think it’s a great indication to, not only northern Kentucky, but the region and nationally on just how great of contenders we can be and we are and that we put on a stellar Division I environment program,” Roybal adds.
The Norse and Bearcats will face off two more times as part of this agreement. NKU will travel to UC next season before returning to Truist Arena.
