HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Chad Jackson is becoming comfortable with the system at Northern Kentucky University, and his performance is making opponents feel just the opposite.
Jackson scored a career-high 22 points to lead unbeaten NKU to an 85-61 win over Urbana on Sunday. The sophomore guard, a transfer from James Madison in his first season with the Norse, also added four rebounds and three steals as NKU improved to 8-0.
Jackson's previous career-high point total was 19, set earlier this season during a 95-74 win at Urbana. He shot 8-for-11 from the field on Sunday and made all five of his free-throw attempts.
“Chad has been Mr. Consistency, and he has really settled into his role and understands what he needs to do for our team,” NKU head coach Dave Bezold said. “ He is a tremendous worker, whether it be in the weight room or practice, he works very hard at it.”
The Norse, who are ranked No. 23 in the NCAA Division II poll, shot 53.7 percent from the field and were 14-for-34 from 3-point range. NKU knocked down seven treys in each half to overwhelm the visiting Blue Knights. The school record for 3-pointers made is 19, set against Indiana-East on Dec. 19, 2007.
NKU senior guard Jon Van Hoose made five 3-pointers and finished with 18 points. Junior forward Eshaunte Jones scored 13 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out a career-high six assists for the Norse, who are 24-0 all-time against non-conference opponents in The Bank of Kentucky Center.
“The guards did a good job of pushing the ball, and I was able to get down the court, get my feet set and knock down some shots,” Van Hoose said.
Dyrell Dolson led Urbana (2-5) with 17 points. NKU held the Blue Knights to 26.9 percent shooting from the field in the first half to build a 43-19 lead at the break.
The Norse extended that advantage to 53-22 on a basket by Jackson with 17:49 remaining in the game and coasted to the win. NKU is now 7-0 all-time against Urbana.
Jalen Billups scored eight points and grabbed six rebounds for NKU, while teammate Ethan Faulkner added eight points and three assists.
NKU takes next week off for exams and resumes play Dec. 18 with a home game against Salem International at 5 p.m.