HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (Interstat) — Northern Kentucky used a strong second half to pull away from IU Indy for an 81-72 victory in a Horizon League men’s basketball game Thursday at BB&T Arena. The Norse, who trailed 39-35 at halftime, outscored the Jaguars 46-33 after intermission. Northern Kentucky converted 22 points off turnovers to secure the win. LJ Wells led the Norse with 14 points and nine rebounds. Kyler D’Augustino scored a game-high 20 points for IU Indy in the loss. Attendance was 1,645. Northern Kentucky improved to 11-5 overall, while IU Indy fell to 4-12.

Struggling Jaguars Face Hot Norse in Horizon League Opener HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (Interstat) — A Horizon League men’s basketball season of contrasting fortunes begins Thursday when the struggling IU Indy Jaguars visit the surging Northern Kentucky Norse at BB&T Arena. The Jaguars (4-11) limp into the new year having lost six of their last seven games, including a 99-86 defeat at Cleveland State on Monday. IU Indy has consistently struggled defensively during its slide, allowing an average of 88.3 points in those six losses. Guard Finley Woodward is a key catalyst for the Jaguars. He is coming off an 18-point, 7-assist performance against Cleveland State and has dished out at least seven assists in three of his last five contests. Support comes from Kyler D’Augustino, who scored 27 points in the most recent loss, and Matt Compas, who added 17 points and 7 assists. Northern Kentucky (10-5) has won three of its last four, including a tight 79-77 road victory at Robert Morris on Monday. The Norse have been strong at home, posting a 6-2 record at BB&T Arena this season. The Norse are led by guard Donovan Oday, who is averaging 16.3 points over his last three games. He scored 20 points in a loss to College of Charleston on Dec. 21 and hit for 16 in the win at Robert Morris. LJ Wells (14 points vs. RMU) and Ethan Elliott provide consistent scoring support. This matchup opens the conference slate for both teams. Northern Kentucky will look to leverage its home-court advantage and efficient offense against an IU Indy squad searching for consistency and defensive stops. The Jaguars’ last win was a 126-73 rout of non-Division I Miami-Middletown on Dec. 16. The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. UP NEXT IU Indy: Hosts Wright State on Sunday, Jan. 4. Northern Kentucky: Hosts Youngstown State on Sunday, Jan. 4.