MINNEAPOLIS-- Men's Basketball let a big lead disappear in a road loss at Crown College on Friday night. The Rams led by as many as 15 in the later stages of the second half before the Storm rallied back to take a 91-87 victory over North Central.

North Central (10-9, 7-3 UMAC) had the better of the the play in the first half and led 50-45 at the break. They extended their lead throughout the early part of the first half and controlled play enough to build a 71-56 lead with 11:17 to go in the game. But North Central missed their next four shots and went scoreless for over four minutes allowing Crown to get back within striking distance.

With around five minutes left the Rams were able to get back in front 83-74, but would score just four more points over the remaining time and Crown took that opportunity to surge ahead. The Storm led 89-87 with 47 seconds left but the Rams missed their shot at tying it up. However the Rams came up with a steal that gave them another chance to tie or win with around 6 seconds left. NCU got good chance at a lay-up but the ball was mishandled and Crown sunk free throws to preserve their win.

KEY SEQUENCE OF THE GAME

With the Rams up 85-80, Crown missed a shot and NCU grabbed the rebound but players from each team ran into one another and the Storm came up with the ball. They got a lay-up on the ensuing possession with 3:21 left and that kept their momentum alive. 

NCU missed a good look at a lay-up on the other end Crown scored on their next trip to make it 85-84 with 2:38 left. North Central once again got a good shot and missed but despite getting the offensive rebound, missed their second chance and the Storm hit a three pointer that essentially turned the tide for good, giving them an 87-85 lead with 1:41 remaining.

North Central tied it with a pair of free throws with 1:20 left but the confidence gained in their big rally saw Crown to the finishline.

KEY PERFORMERS OF THE GAME

Junior Travis Voigt (Green Bay, Wis./N.E.W. Lutheran) led all scorers with 29 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Sophomore Joel Cline (Green Bay, Wis./Southwest) added 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

Senior Cody Martin (Burnsville, Minn./Burnsville) scored 13 while Josh High (Buffalo, Minn./Buffalo) added 12. High now needs four more made three point baskets to equal the NCU career record and five to stand alone atop the category.

UP NEXT

North Central must regroup quickly as they travel to the University of Minnesota-Morris (Morris, Minn.) on Saturday. The game is being promoted as the UMAC game of the week as the two teams battle for second place in the conference standings. The Rams and Cougars tip off at 3 p.m.