MINNEAPOLIS-- After a slow start by both teams North Central gained control of the game and slowly pulled away from Providence University-College on Thursday night. The Rams used defense and rebounding to defeat the Pilots, 57-37, in NCCAA Regional play.

Both teams got off to a slow start combining for just 12 points in the first quarter with the teams tied at 6-6 after 10 minutes. North Central scored first in the second quarter and after the Pilots retied the game on their next trip, the Rams got a bucket from senior Jamie High (Buffalo, Minn./Buffalo) to make it 10-8 with 8:22 left in the period. It turned out NCU would never trail again in the game.

North Central struggled shooting the ball all night but was able to force 12 first half turnovers and 8 steals while out-rebounding Providence 26-19. Despite firing just .297 (11-37) in the first twenty minutes, North Central led 25-15 at halftime.

Over the first three minutes of the second half the Rams took over the game, pulling away for a 34-17 advantage. NCU led by as much as 18 in the third before Providence made got back within 41-28 by the end of the quarter. The Pilots were within 43-31 after a three pointer with 8:51 to play. From NCU held Providence scoreless for over three mintues and allowed just six points the rest of the way as the Rams pulled away for the win.

KEY SEQUENCE OF THE GAME

While North Central created a comfortable margin in third quarter it was the way the Rams started the fourth that finalized their win. After scoring first in the quarter on their second possession and allowing a Providence three pointer NCU answered right back and maintained their momentum despite the Pilots getting the lead to it's smallest in over 20 mintues of game action.

Over a three minute stretch of holding the Pilots scoreless the Rams extened their lead to 49-31 with 5:46 remaining. From there the Rams tightened their defense further and saw out the win. 

KEY PERFORMANCES OF THE GAME

Sophomore Lizzy Swanson (Askov, Minn./East Central) was the Rams high scorer with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Sophomore Bethany Cressman (Breezy Point, Minn./Central Lakes College) had her best game in an NCU uniform just missing a double-double with 9 points and 10 rebounds. Jamie High also filled up the box score score, doing it all with 11 points, 9 rebounds, 6 steals, 5 steals and 4 blocks.

UP NEXT

North Central hosts the University of Northwestern (St. Paul, Minn.) in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference play on Saturday. The Rams and Eagles are scheduled for a 5 p.m. tip-off.