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The Norse had high hopes for this season, and they have lived up to expectations. A couple of players have not produced as hoped. Dennis Gagai and Tanner Jacobs have not played as well as expected. Gagai has struggled all year with his shot while Tanner Jacobs just looks overmatched in the post. But there are a few players that have stood out.
The Norse spread out their scoring. They have 4 players averaging at least 10 PPG. Dustin Maguire (who scored nearly 40 points against Louisville) is averaging 15.8 PPG and has made 55 3 pointers. Leslie Malone averages 11.9 PPG, DeAaron Williams 11.7 PPG, A'Daeron Duncan 10.3 PPG. But its not the offense that carries this team.
The defense is ranked #1 in the GLVC in scoring defense, allowing just 62.9 PPG and hold opponents to a .426 FG %. Leslie Malone has led the way. He makes his prescence felt on the inside. He is #1 in total blocks and blocks per game in the GLVC averaging nearly 3 blocks per game. He also leads the conference in RPG with 7.4 while also hitting 51% of his shots. Not only do they play good defense, but they take care of the ball. The two PG's Billy Finnell and Scott Bibbins have combined for 124 assists and just 44 turnovers.
Overall the Norse are 18-4, 11-2 in the GLVC. They are #1 in the conference and #6 in the national DII coach's poll. The season is coming to a close but they have two big games coming up. They play archrival KY Wesleyan on Valentine's Day and nationally ranked (#18) Bellarmine on 2-26-09. If you want to relive the glory days, the Bellarmine game will be played in Regents Hall.
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2 comments:
Maguire has been impressive this year. I just wish the Norse had Malone, Williams, and Duncan for another year. Although it helps that Maguire, Gagai, and Jacobs are all sophmores.
The Norse wont have any trouble recruiting now with in my opinion the best D-2 facility in the land.
I have been very impressed with NKU on each occassion that I have watched them play. They rely way too much on the 3 ball but shoot it very well so I guess that doesn't really matter. They do get after it defensively and are really scrappy. Nice ball club, they have the depth this year to make a serious push. There are 8 or 9 guys who can flat out play.
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