Game Preview: Northern Kentucky Looks to Complete Season Sweep as Milwaukee Visits Truist Arena

Matchup: Milwaukee Panthers (9-16, 5-9 Horizon) at Northern Kentucky Norse (14-11, 6-8 Horizon)

Date: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026

Tip-off: 7:00 PM ET

Venue: Truist Arena – Highland Heights, KY

Watch: ESPN+

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The Lead

Northern Kentucky (14-11, 6-8 Horizon) continues their homestand tonight in Highland Heights, looking to snap a losing streak where their defense has disappeared. Fresh off an 87-84 heartbreak against Green Bay (despite Donovan and Tae’s best efforts) the Norse find themselves in a must-win scenario. With Horizon League tournament seeding becoming a game of musical chairs, NKU cannot afford to drop a home game to a Milwaukee team (9-16, 5-9) that is struggling.

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The Storylines

• Player Availability & Rotation Shifts: With Kael Robinson ruled out, the rotation is under the microscope. Expect Ethan Elliott to return to his starting role, moving Shawn Nelson back to the bench. The real intrigue? How Donovan Rakotonanahary is utilized. Finally, the Norse need better outings from Addison Archer and Ryan Tolliver to stabilize the front court.
• The Tempo Paradox: NKU plays the 22nd fastest offense in the country but ranks 350th in defensive length of possession (meaning they allow teams to work deep into the shot clock). Milwaukee also plays fast (67th offensive tempo). If this game hits over 70 possessions, advantage Norse.
• The Revenge Factor: NKU raided Milwaukee for an 18-point win in January. The Panthers are hungry for revenge, but their 2-10 road record suggests they struggle to pack their “A-game” for travel.

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The Three Keys to Victory

1. 🛡️ Stop the Whistle: NKU has been “abysmal” lately at sending teams to the charity stripe (271st nationally). Milwaukee isn’t great at drawing fouls, so this is a “get right” game for the Norse defense. Stay vertical and stop bailing them out.
2. 🏀 Seal the Glass: Milwaukee is elite at crashing the offensive boards (89th in the country). NKU is 291st in defensive rebounding. This is the game’s biggest red flag. If the Norse don’t box out, second-chance points will kill the momentum.
3. 🎯 The Deep Ball Lottery: NKU shoots a high volume of 3s (44.9% of shots) but only hits 32.5%. Milwaukee’s defense is generous from deep (allowing 36.3%). This is the night for the Norse shooters to finally find their rhythm.

The Bonus Key: Turnover Chaos. Milwaukee protects the ball well (62nd), but NKU’s defense thrives on ball pressure and chaos (55th in forced turnovers). If the Norse can disrupt Milwaukee’s rhythm early, the Panthers’ road woes will likely snowball.

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Milwaukee’s Rotation

Starters (from their last game)

• Chandler Jackson: 7/2/1, 1 steal, 1 turnover. 33% from deep, 65% fro the FT line, and 47% from the field.
• Stevie Elam: 9/5/1, 1 steal, 1 turnover. 34% from deep, 84% from the FT line, and 37% from the field.
• Aaron Franklin: 6/6/1, 1 steal, 1 turnover. 26% from deep, 44% from the FT line, and 55% from the field.
• Josh Dixon: 10/1/2, 1 steal, 1 turnover. 32% from deep, 86% from the FT line, and 41% from the field.
• Amar Augillard: 13/3/1, 1 steal and 2 turnovers. 32% from deep, 76% from the FT line, and 45% from the field.

Role Players

• Isaiah Dorceus: 6/2/4, 1 steal and 2 turnovers per game. 31% from deep, 72% from the FT line, and 35% from the field.
• Sekou Konneh: 6/5/0 1 steal, 1 block and 1 turnover per game. 13% from deep, 53% from the FT line, and 54% from the field.
• Faizon Fields: 7/6/0, 1 steal, 1 block and 1 turnover per game. 67% from deep, 58% from the FT line, and 67% from the field.

Final Thoughts

NKU is desparate for a win, and I expect them to come out intense and looking to jump out to an early lead. NKU is projeted to win today with a projected score of 81-72 per kenpom.com.