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Horizon League Basketball: Conference tournament preview and predictions

By John Parker

Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Jalen Hayes (4) high fives guard Sherron Dorsey-Walker (30) during overtime against the Michigan State Spartans at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Michigan State won 99-93 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Jalen Hayes (4) high fives guard Sherron Dorsey-Walker (30) during overtime against the Michigan State Spartans at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Michigan State won 99-93 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 15, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Northern Kentucky Norse head coach John Brannen talks to guard Tyler White (3) during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Northern Kentucky Norse head coach John Brannen talks to guard Tyler White (3) during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

7: Northern Kentucky Norse

First year Horizon League member Northern Kentucky is in a strange spot. The Norse are in the fourth year of a transition up from Division II. As a result, the team is currently ineligible for the postseason.

That means that if the 8-seed Norse make a Cinderella run to a Horizon League Tournament title, the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament will go to regular season champion Valparaiso.

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Despite winning just nine games all season, the Norse look to be capable of playing spoiler at least once in the upcoming tournament. Northern Kentucky has given its first round opponent Milwaukee fits this year.

In early January, the Norse jumped out to a quick double-digit lead on the Panthers. Milwaukee eventually recovered, but the game remained a nail-biter until Northern Kentucky was forced to foul in the final two minutes and Milwaukee came away with a 76-67 victory.

The rematch in February was the antithesis of the first meeting. This time, Milwaukee jumped out to the double-digit first half lead and the Norse had to battle back. With a balanced attack, they did just that. Northern Kentucky put the game away in the closing seconds with a 3-pointer that pushed its lead to two possessions and eventually gave the Norse a 75-71 win.

Given how close Northern Kentucky is to being 2-0 against Milwaukee, it’s very possible that they’ll end the Panthers’ season on Saturday.

Next: 6: Detroit