Northern Kentucky University opened its season with a 78-74 victory over Wayne State in the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Friday night.

        NKU got a game-high 19 points and nine rebounds from newcomer Carl Mitchell, a junior who transferred to NKU from Gulf Coast Community College this season.

        Junior guard Craig Sanders (McNicholas), the team's returning leading scorer, added 14 points.

        The Norse, ranked No.6 nationally in the Division II preseason poll, will play Bentley (Mass.) College in the tournament semifinals today.

        Senior forwards Todd Clark and Jeff McKinley scored 11 points apiece for NKU.

        “I was really pleased with the play of Clark and McKinley,” NKU head coach Ken Shields said. “They both came off the bench and provided us with big plays when we needed it.”

        NKU (78) — Conley 1 4 6, Lawhon 3 0 8, Sanders 5 1 14, Mitchell 8 1 19, Stowers 4 1 9, Clark 5 0 11, McKinley 4 3 11. Totals 30 10 78.

        WAYNE STATE (76) — Sanny 4 0 9, Manley 2 0 4, Joens 5 3 15, Mulder 8 4 25, Herlitzke 4 4 12, Lingenfelter 1 0 2, Kobs 2 0 5, Klostermann 2 0 4. Totals: 28 11 76.

        3-point goals — N 8 (Lawhon 2, Sanders 3, Mitchell 2, Clark 1), W 9 (Sanny 1, Joens 2, Mulder 5, Kobs 1). Rebounds — N 31 (Lawhon 5), W (Mulder, Herlitzke 7). Assists - N 9 (Stowers 5), W 14 (Sanny 4).

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