Northern Kentucky opened its 2026-27 season with an 84-76 win over UTEP in Sioux Falls, powered by standout debuts from freshman Willie Foster and Noah Pagotto. The Norse built a halftime lead, weathered UTEP’s second-half push and pulled away late.

By the Numbers
  • Foster: 24 points and 10 rebounds.
  • Pagotto: 19 points and 12 rebounds.
  • Eric Acker: 16 points and 5 assists.
  • Northern Kentucky made 30 of 33 free throws; UTEP shot 38.6% from the field.
Yes, But

NKU’s offense struggled from 3-point range, making just 4 of 21 attempts, and the Norse committed 14 turnovers to UTEP’s 7. They overcame those shortcomings with strong rebounding and near-perfect free-throw shooting.

Bottom Line

Foster and Pagotto delivered record-setting double-doubles in their NKU debuts, giving the Norse a strong start to the season—and a clear foundation to build on.