Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Northern Kentucky wins Horizon League thanks to Xavier Rhodes’ late dagger
By CHARLIE PARENTDarrin Horn didn’t get to take his Northern Kentucky squad to the NCAA Tournament in his first season when the won the Horizon League back in 2020.
Now, just three years, later the Norse will make their third tournament appearance in program history.
The dagger came from 5th-year guard Xavier Rhodes, who drilled a turn around from well over 25 feet as the shot clock expired to give Northern Kentucky a six point lead with under two minutes to play.
They eventually held on to beat Cleveland State 63-61 and win their fourth Horizon League Championship in seven years.
Xavier Rhodes with a DEEP 3 to beat the buzzer and give Northern Kentucky a 6-point lead with under 2 minutes remaining! 🏀🔥 #MarchMadnesspic.twitter.com/F08qn6KVtc
The Norse will make first tournament appearance since 2019 where they lost to eventual runner-up Texas Tech in the first round.
Star junior guard Marques Warrick had 18 points and six rebounds to lead the way for Northern Kentucky.
They will likely be a 15 or 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
