Noah Pagotto delivered a dominant offensive performance to lead Northern Kentucky to a decisive 102-94 victory over South Dakota on Wednesday night in Vermillion, S.D. The Norse (2-0) showcased their offensive firepower early, with Pagotto scoring 30 points on an impressive 11-of-15 shooting efficiency. His ability to penetrate the defense and convert at the free-throw line, where he drained seven of 11 attempts, provided the consistent scoring surge that South Dakota’s defense could not contain.
Norse guard’s efficient night drives team to second straight win in Vermillion
Northern Kentucky’s depth proved crucial as Willie Foster and Eric Acker both contributed 22 points each, creating a formidable three-pronged attack. Foster added versatility with three three-pointers, while Acker provided stability from beyond the arc and at the charity stripe. In contrast, South Dakota (1-1) struggled to match the Norse’s pace, relying on Jahni Summers’ 24 points and Vince Buzelis’ 20-point effort to keep them in the game. Despite Kajus Kublickas facilitating with four assists, the Coyotes lacked the sustained scoring bursts needed to overcome Northern Kentucky’s balanced offensive output.
The victory sets the stage for a challenging road trip for Northern Kentucky, who face Texas A&M on Friday. For South Dakota, the focus shifts to hosting CSU Fullerton on Saturday as they seek to rebound from their second loss of the season. The Norse’s current form suggests they are well-prepared for upcoming high-profile matchups, having demonstrated both individual brilliance and team cohesion in their first two contests.
Source: Yahoo Sports
