
Rasheed Bello
Photo by: John Nagel
‘Dons Clinch First Round Bye Despite Loss to NKU
2/27/2025 10:53:00 PM | Men's Basketball
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A game that had 28 lead changes and eight ties ended up going to the visitors on Thursday (Feb. 27) evening as the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons fell to Northern Kentucky 79-74.
Despite the loss, the Mastodons secured a bye in the opening round of the 2025 Barbasol Horizon League Men's Basketball Championship.
The 'Dons will close out the regular season on Saturday at Cleveland State on ESPN2.
Rasheed Bello had 20 points and three steals in 37 minutes. Jalen Jackson finished with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. The Norse were led by Trey Robinson's 25 points.
The Norse shot 50.0 percent from the floor in the second half as they used a 9-2 run to take a 69-64 lead with 5:02 left. The five-point advantage matched largest lead of the game for either team. A Corey Hadnot II driving layup got the 'Dons within a point at 69-68 with 2:40 on the clock. Bello and Jackson followed with free throws and Bello had a layup later that each time got the 'Dons within a point. But NKU had an answer every time.
The Mastodons shot 42.4 percent (28-of-66) from the floor.
Northern Kentucky improves to 15-15 (10-9 Horizon League). The Mastodons fall to 19-11 (12-7 Horizon League).
~ Feel The Rumble ~
Despite the loss, the Mastodons secured a bye in the opening round of the 2025 Barbasol Horizon League Men's Basketball Championship.
The 'Dons will close out the regular season on Saturday at Cleveland State on ESPN2.
Rasheed Bello had 20 points and three steals in 37 minutes. Jalen Jackson finished with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. The Norse were led by Trey Robinson's 25 points.
The Norse shot 50.0 percent from the floor in the second half as they used a 9-2 run to take a 69-64 lead with 5:02 left. The five-point advantage matched largest lead of the game for either team. A Corey Hadnot II driving layup got the 'Dons within a point at 69-68 with 2:40 on the clock. Bello and Jackson followed with free throws and Bello had a layup later that each time got the 'Dons within a point. But NKU had an answer every time.
The Mastodons shot 42.4 percent (28-of-66) from the floor.
Northern Kentucky improves to 15-15 (10-9 Horizon League). The Mastodons fall to 19-11 (12-7 Horizon League).
~ Feel The Rumble ~
Team Stats
NKU
Pur-FW
FG%
.493
.424
3FG%
.278
.259
FT%
.615
.846
RB
39
34
TO
14
10
STL
6
7
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
Corey Hadnot II is back from the Waffle House
Thursday, October 09
'Dons at the Waffle House
Tuesday, October 07
Team Impact Graduation
Thursday, June 26
PFW vs Oakland Post Game and Highlights
Saturday, February 22