Northern Kentucky Defeats Cleveland State 95-80
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Truist Arena
Northern Kentucky Norse 95, Cleveland State Vikings 80, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Cleveland State Vikings vs Northern Kentucky Norse?
Northern Kentucky Norse beat Cleveland State Vikings 95-80 at Truist Arena on December 3, 2025.
Who was favored in Cleveland State Vikings vs Northern Kentucky Norse?
Northern Kentucky Norse were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1200 (about 92% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Northern Kentucky Norse secured a 95-80 victory over the Cleveland State Vikings at Truist Arena. This win marks a continuation of Northern Kentucky's strong performance, extending their winning streak to five games. The Norse, boasting a home record of 7-2, have been particularly dominant at home, where they remain undefeated with a 6-0 record this season. Their scoring average at home is impressive, with 84.7 points per game, while allowing 74.0 points on average.
Cleveland State, on the other hand, has struggled this season, currently holding a 3-7 record and suffering from a recent losing streak that now stands at one game. Their away record is particularly concerning, as they have not won any of their four away games this season. The Vikings average 77.2 points scored per game but have allowed a troubling 83.4 points on average, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued them throughout the season.
The two teams have faced each other three times this season, with Northern Kentucky winning two of those matchups. Their most recent encounter before this game was on March 7, 2025, where Northern Kentucky lost 63-68 at Cleveland State. However, they had previously won 85-75 at home on February 6, 2025, showcasing their ability to perform well in familiar surroundings.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the current form of both teams suggests that Northern Kentucky's players are in good condition, contributing to their recent success. The Vikings will need to address their defensive issues if they hope to improve their standing in the league.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, favored Northern Kentucky significantly, with a spread of -14.5 points and a moneyline of -1200 for the Norse, while the Vikings were priced at +750. The total for the game was set at 158.5 points, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair, which ultimately played out as both teams combined for 175 points.
Conditions during the game were typical for a basketball matchup, but the block does not specify any unusual factors that may have influenced play. Viewers were treated to a display of offensive prowess from Northern Kentucky, particularly in the second half, where they maintained their lead and closed out the game effectively. Key moments included free throws and dunks that showcased the Norse's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, further emphasizing their offensive strength.
Overall, this game highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with Northern Kentucky continuing their ascent in the league while Cleveland State struggles to find consistency.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NKU -14.5 | 158.5 o -108 / u -112 | Cleveland State Vikings +750 · Northern Kentucky Norse -1200 |
Leaders
- PointsLJ Wells21Northern Kentucky Norse
- AssistsEthan Elliott5Northern Kentucky Norse
- ReboundsLJ Wells10Northern Kentucky Norse
- PointsJaidon Lipscomb23Cleveland State Vikings
- AssistsTre Beard5Cleveland State Vikings
- ReboundsHolden Pierre-Louis5Cleveland State Vikings
Recent form
Northern Kentucky Norse
Last 10: 7-3Streak W584.7 scored · 74 allowed per game6-0 at home
- W74-65vs Boston University TerriersNov 29
- W93-83vs Wofford TerriersNov 26
- W82-71vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsNov 25
- W90-66at Central Michigan ChippewasNov 21
- W101-73vs Cumberlands PatriotsNov 16
- L63-75at East Tennessee State BuccaneersNov 13
- L56-95at Tennessee VolunteersNov 8
- W126-69vs Cincinnati Clermont CougarsNov 4
- L63-68at Cleveland State VikingsMar 7
- W99-75vs Detroit Mercy TitansMar 5
Cleveland State Vikings
Last 10: 3-7Streak L177.2 scored · 83.4 allowed per game0-4 away
- L59-86at Missouri TigersNov 28
- W109-56vs Waynesburg Yellow JacketsNov 26
- L71-91at Kent State Golden FlashesNov 22
- L75-90vs Valparaiso BeaconsNov 20
- W87-82vs Radford HighlandersNov 16
- L95-102vs Kent State Golden FlashesNov 15
- L63-110at Northwestern WildcatsNov 11
- W71-70vs Capital CrusadersNov 7
- L88-91at Loyola Chicago RamblersNov 4
- L54-56vs Youngstown State PenguinsMar 11
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wright State | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Robert Morris | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Green Bay | 18-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Detroit Mercy | 17-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Oakland | 16-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Purdue Fort Wayne | 17-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Northern Kentucky | 20-14 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Youngstown State | 15-17 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Milwaukee | 12-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Cleveland State | 11-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| IU Indianapolis | 7-25 | 12 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Cleveland State Vikings | Northern Kentucky Norse |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-48 | 34-61 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 56 |
| Three-pointers | 14-25 | 13-27 |
| Three-point % | 56 | 48 |
| Free throws | 22-28 | 14-15 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 93 |
| Rebounds | 23 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 15 | 17 |
| Assists | 14 | 22 |
| Steals | 6 | 12 |
| Blocks | 3 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 26 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 16 | 40 |
| Fouls | 17 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 2 | 95 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half52-56Kael Robinson made Dunk. Assisted by LJ Wells.
- 2nd Half55-56Jaidon Lipscomb made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by David Giddens.
- 2nd Half55-59Donovan Oday made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kael Robinson.
- 2nd Half56-59Chevalier Emery made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-62Dan Gherezgher made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kael Robinson.
- 2nd Half59-62Tre Beard made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Chevalier Emery.
- 2nd Half59-65LJ Wells made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kael Robinson.
- 2nd Half59-67Donovan Oday made Dunk. Assisted by Tae Dozier.
- 2nd Half59-68Kael Robinson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-69Kael Robinson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half60-69Preist Ryan made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half60-72Ethan Elliott made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Dan Gherezgher.
- 2nd Half60-74LJ Wells made Layup.
- 2nd Half60-75LJ Wells made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half60-77LJ Wells made Dunk.
- 2nd Half63-77David Giddens made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Tre Beard.
- 2nd Half66-77David Giddens made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half66-79Tae Dozier made Jumper.
- 2nd Half66-80Tae Dozier made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half67-80Holden Pierre-Louis made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-80Holden Pierre-Louis made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-83Dan Gherezgher made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Ethan Elliott.
- 2nd Half70-83Holden Pierre-Louis made Layup.
- 2nd Half71-83Holden Pierre-Louis made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half71-85Tae Dozier made Dunk. Assisted by Dan Gherezgher.
- 2nd Half72-85Jaidon Lipscomb made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half73-85Jaidon Lipscomb made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half74-85Jaidon Lipscomb made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half75-85Jaidon Lipscomb made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half75-87Kael Robinson made Layup. Assisted by Tae Dozier.
- 2nd Half76-87Jaidon Lipscomb made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half77-87Jaidon Lipscomb made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half78-87Jaidon Lipscomb made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half80-87Tre Beard made Layup. Assisted by Jaidon Lipscomb.
- 2nd Half80-88Donovan Oday made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half80-89Donovan Oday made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half80-91Tae Dozier made Dunk. Assisted by Donovan Oday.
- 2nd Half80-92Ethan Elliott made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half80-93Ethan Elliott made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half80-95Donovan Oday made Dunk.
Win probability
Above the line favours Northern Kentucky Norse, below favours Cleveland State Vikings.
Venue
- Truist ArenaHighland Heights, KY
- Attendance1814
- OfficialsLarry Scirotto, Chad Barlow, Edwin Young
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Northern Kentucky Defeats Cleveland State 81-70Feb 25, 2026