CHICAGO, Ill.-- Men's Basketball opened the first day of the Moody Bible Institute Big Four Tournament on Friday afternoon by defeating the host by a 73-60 final scoreline. North Central had four players in double figures on the night and will look win their first pre-season tournament in over a decade in Satuday's championship game.

The Rams took a 42-32 lead into the break and then maintained that level before finding the final 13 point difference. Junior Jordan Harrell (Maple Grove, Minn./Maple Grove) led NCU with 17 points while junior Josh High (Buffalo, Minn./Buffalo) added 14 points including going 4-5 from behind the three point line.

Sophomore Luke Chafin (Dayton, Ohio/Troy Christian) chipped in 13 points with senior Bryce Burkman (Winsted, Minn./Maple Grove) scoring 12 points on the night. 

North Central advances to Saturday's Big Four Tournament championship game where they will take on NAIA opponent Ashford University (Clinton, Iowa). NCU and Ashford will tip off at 2 p.m.