The Cincinnati Enquirer

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Calvin Sykes banked in a 40-foot shot at the buzzer Thursday night to give Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville a 66-65 win over Northern Kentucky University in Regents Hall.

NKU took a 65-63 lead with 3.7 seconds remaining when Steve Purdon made an 18-foot jumper from the right side. After a timeout, Sykes received the inbound pass, dribbled just past midcourt and launched a desperation shot from the left sideline.

The shot banked in as the buzzer sounded, giving SIUE its first win in Regents Hall since Feb. 25, 1989.

Sykes scored SIUE's final 13 points of the game and finished with 22.

Jesse Rupe scored 18 of his 23 points in the second half, and his three-point play with 20 seconds left gave NKU a 63-61 lead. Sykes countered with a basket with 11 seconds remaining to tie the game at 63-63, but Purdon's jump shot regained the lead for NKU and set the stage for Sykes' improbable buzzer-beater.

NKU will play host to 11th-ranked Lewis University at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in Regents Hall. That game will also be the final home appearance for NKU head coach Ken Shields, who is retiring at the end of the season.

Women

NKU 63, SIUE 56

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Connie Myers scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as Northern Kentucky University beat Southern Illinois-Edwardsville Thursday in Regents Hall.

Karmen Graham and Sharell Snardon each added 10 points as NKU improved to 14-7 overall, 9-6 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

NKU will play its final home game of the season at 1 p.m. Saturday when Lewis (Ill.) visits Regents Hall.