Late 3 by Martin Smith, free throws from Hampton preserve 70-66 Lipscomb win over N. Kentucky

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Martin Smith swished a rare 3-pointer in the final 35 seconds and J.C. Hampton hit 3 of 4 from the line as Lipscomb held off Northern Kentucky 70-66 on Friday night.

Martin Smith finished with 18 points and Malcolm Smith led the Bisons (13-14, 8-8 Atlantic Sun) with 21.

Northern Kentucky (8-20, 4-12) had pulled to within 64-63 inside the final minute on a Jordan Jackson bucket. The Bisons had hit just 2 of 17 3-pointers during the game when Martin Smith squared up for his clutch score from deep on an assist from Hampton, who finished with 12 points and went 4-for-6 at the free-throw line.

Daniel Camps led the Norse with 15 points.

Malcolm Smith scored 15 in the first half as the Bisons rallied from nine down and used an 8-0 run to lead 35-29 at halftime. Lipscomb had seven steals to help force 15 turnovers.