Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons (15-12, 9-7 Horizon) @ Northern Kentucky Norse (16-11, 8-8 Horizon)
Wednesday 2/18/26 | Tip 7:00 | Location: Truist Arena (Highland Heights, KY)
Per Kenpom.com, NKU is favored by 7 to win this matchup. DraftKings currently favors the Norse by 6.5.
Matchup Overview
This is a pivotal game for Horizon League seeding. Purdue Fort Wayne currently sits in 5th place in the conference standings, and holds a one-game lead over 7th-place Northern Kentucky. A win for NKU would knot the teams in the loss column and could potentially catapult the Norse into the 5th spot. Both teams are coming off wins against the same opponent, IU Indy, though NKU has enjoyed nearly a week off to prepare for this contest. This week off is critical for an NKU squad who is a bit beaten up and needed some rest.
The Three Keys:
- Rebounding. Purdue is amongst the worst teams in both offensive (355th nationally), and defensive (345th nationally) rebounding. If the Norse are going to win tonight, they need to establish their tone early and make sure they win the physicality battle. NKU is not an elite rebounding team, however, they do fairly well at offensive rebounding, pulling down 31.9% of their misses (141st nationally), but struggle on defense, allowing opponents to grab 33.2% of their misses (301st nationally). NKU needs to focus on limiting Purdue Fort Wayne to 1 shot.
- Turnovers. Purdue Fort Wayne is 33rd in the country on offense with just a 14% turnover rate (33rd nationally), and they’re just as skilled on the defensive side of the ball, turning opponents over 19.6% of the time (44th in the country). The Norse are a bit more turnover prone, but also love to turn teams over, ranking 164th in turnovers on offense, but 52nd in the nation at forcing turnovers. This, and subsequent fast break points could be the turning point for tonight’s matchup.
- Shooting. Putting the ball in the basket. I know it sounds extremely basic, but as many of you all have pointed out, NKU’s gameplay seems to be heave threes in the first half and figure it out after the break. NKU needs to have an efficient shooting night. Purdue Fort Wayne will open opportunities there, as they allow horrible shooting splits for opponents: 37.8% from 2, 55.4% from 3, good for 351st and 310th in the nation. NKU’s shooting needs to emphasize getting to the rim and playing inside out from the start tonight. If they can do that, open and clean 3’s will come where the Norse can capitalize.
- Bonus Key:
- Free throws. NKU has been sending teams to the FT line at a horrid rate this year, landing them at 239th in the country in that area. However, Purdue Fort Wayne doesn’t draw many fouls, ranking 326th in the nation at getting to the free throw line. NKU must play in front of guys and avoid the temptation to reach when trying to become physical.
NKU Player Availability:
NKU will remain without Kael Robinson, who, at last update was hoping to return by the final week of the regular season. Other than that, NKU appears to be healthy and should have their remaining compliment of players.
Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons
Record: 15-12 (9-7 Horizon) Last Game: Won 83-78 vs. IU Indy (Feb. 15, 2026)
The Mastodons held off a late rally to beat IU Indy at home on Sunday. The key was Corey Hadnot II, who erupted for 31 points on efficient 14-of-20 shooting. PFW will run a total of 9/10 guys out there, but Hadnot is their “guy”.
Projected Starters (Based on Feb. 15 vs. IU Indy)
| Pos | Player | Per Game: | Shooting (2pt%/FT%/FT%) |
| G | Corey Hadnot II | 20/4/3, 2 steals, 2 turnovers | 53%/70%/34% |
| G | Mikale Stevenson | 15/4/3, 2 steals, 2 turnovers | 44%82%/36% |
| F | Maximus Nelson | 8/3/1, 1 steal, 1 turnover | 38%/86%/37% |
| G | DeAndre Craig | 14/3/3, 1 steal, 2 turnovers | 43%/79%/39% |
| F | Deangelo Elisee | 3/2/0, 1 block, 1 turnover | 70%/65%/50% (non-shooter) |
Bench Rotation
- Yuval Levin (F): 3/2/1, 1 steal, 1 turnover | 46%/60%/33% – Did have 11 last time out
- Darius Duffy (F): 5/5/1, 1 steal, 1 block, | 69%/30%/0%
- EJ Mosley (G): 3/1/1 | 38%/74%/30%
- Chris Morgan (F): 3/1/1, 1 steal, 1 turnover | 36%/81%/27%
Prediction:
Expect this to be an elite matchup featuring two teams who are comfortable playing quickly and putting the ball in the basket a lot. I would expect this to remain close throughout, though the 6.5 point line feels about right for NKU.
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