HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (Interstat) — A tight Horizon League race intensifies Saturday when the Northern Kentucky Norse host the Robert Morris Colonials at BB&T Arena.

The matchup features two teams jockeying for position in the conference standings, separated by just two games in the win column. Northern Kentucky (13-6 overall) enters with momentum after a dominant 96-71 victory over Detroit on Thursday. Robert Morris (11-8) looks to rebound from a heartbreaking 96-93 overtime road loss at IU Indy the same night.

This game serves as a quick rematch of a Dec. 29 thriller, which the Norse won 79-77 in Moon Township. Robert Morris guard DeSean Goode, a key player to watch, scored 18 points in that narrow defeat. Goode is averaging 19.0 points over his last six games, including a 20-point effort in the overtime loss to IU Indy.

Northern Kentucky counters with its own standout in LJ Wells. The guard is coming off a career-high 35-point performance against Detroit, showcasing the explosive scoring ability that makes the Norse offense dangerous. Wells also contributed 14 points in the first win over Robert Morris this season.

The Colonials have struggled recently, losing three of their last four games, all in league play. Their defense will be tested by a Norse squad that has scored 85 or more points in three of its last five contests.

For Robert Morris, containing Wells and finding consistent scoring support for Goode will be critical. For Northern Kentucky, protecting its home court and building on its recent offensive outburst is the priority. The result could significantly impact the early Horizon League standings as the conference schedule nears its midpoint.

The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.