MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-- Old Rivalries often produce the best from the schools engaged in the action. Saturday the Rams hosted Trinity Bible College in a key NCCAA Regional game and a stellar double-double and career scoring night from Jamie High helped lift NCU in a narrow 67-63 victory.

North Central (2-4, 0-0 UMAC) and Trinity Bible College (Ellendale, N.D.) battled through a tight first half and the Rams went to the break leading just 26-25. The largest lead for either team in the first 20 minutes was just four. Junior Jamie High (Buffalo, Minn./Buffalo) got her own rebound and put it in with 27 seconds left to give the Rams their advantage going into the locker room.

The teams traded the lead several times in the first 10 minutes of the half before the Rams grabbed momentum and pushed in front 57-40 with 5:25 left. Eventually Trinity fought back into the game and trailed 61-52 and after a turnover the Rams were called for a flagrant foul in the open court. Trinity got both free throws and, after an offensive rebound on the ensuing possesion, converted a three point shot that totally swung momentum toward the vistors while making the score 61-57 with 27 seconds left.

Despite the late surge the Rams went 6 of 8 at the free throw line down the stretch to hang in and earn the win. The victory over Trinity gives the Rams a shot at clinching the top seed in the NCCAA Region tournament with a victory next Friday when they host Faith Baptist Bible College (Ankeny, Iowa).

Jamie High was a huge part of the game coming out in favor of North Central. She posted a career high 29 points along with 15 rebounds, 6 blocks and no turnovers. Freshman Lizzy Swanson (Askov, Minn./East Central) also came up big with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Senior Shelby Norman (Winsted, Minn./Watertown-Mayer) was the third Ram in double figures with 13 points, 5 boards, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

As a team the Rams outrebounded the Lions 47-39 and blocked 8 shots. Free throw shooting also proved big as the Rams went 16-19 for the game, including 7-7 for Jamie High and 4-4 from Shelby Norman.

North Central will have a quick turnaround before hosting Bethel University (St. Paul, Minn.) on Tuesday. NCU and the Royals are scheduled for a 7 p.m. tip-off.