Bezold Gets 150 Wins, Northern Kentucky Defeats Rockhurst 91-59

The Northern Kentucky University men's basketball team defeated Rockhurst University, 91-59, giving head coach Dave Bezold his 150th career win. It's the fastest a coach has reached that milestone in the history of the program.

"He's a great guy, in the little time that I've been with him," sophomore guard Chad Jackson said.

"He's a great X and O guy. He let's you play."

"Our coaching staff doesn't get enough credit for the job they're doing," senior guard Tony Rack said.

After an 76-72 overtime win over William Jewell College Thursday night, the Norse had a much easier time Saturday against the Hawks of Rockhurst University.

"I think we had to come out and be a little more aggressive." Jackson said.

Rack was the leading scorer for the Norse. Most of his points came from three-point range, burying five of seven. Rack also shot six-for-10 from inside the paint. He said he owes a lot of his shooting success to his teammates, Jackson and junior guard Ethan Faulkner.

"They take control of the game and they did it again tonight," Rack said.

Rockhurst guard James Robinson also scored 17 points, as well as three rebounds. However, Cooper Beckett bested him in that area, with five boards for the Hawks.

Six players scored in double figures as the Norse, ranked No. 11 in the Division II AP poll, improved its undefeated record to 12-0.

Jackson added 15 points, five assists and three steals. He drove the ball in and made seven-for-nine from the field.

"When I do that, I feel like good things happen." Jackson said.

Senior center DeAndre Nealy was also strong on offense and defense, scoring 14 points and leading the team in five blocked shots.

Senior guard Jon Van Hoose was equally successful from the field and behind the arc. He went four-for-seven in both categories, finishing with 13 points. Van Hoose also notched two rebounds and three assists.

The Norse committed just seven turnovers to the Hawks' 14.  

After six straight games at home, the Norse will spend three games on the road, traveling first to Missouri S & T, then to Drury. Finally NKU will face the 2011 NCAA Division II National Champions, the Bellarmine University Knights.

"We have a big test in front of us and we just have to take it one game at a time." Rack said.

Monica Fritsch is a correspondent for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.