MORRIS, Minn. – North Central University women's basketball (2-9, 0-5 UMAC) dropped a conference matchup against The University of Minnesota-Morris (8-4, 5-0 UMAC) 81-47 in Morris, Minnesota. Lizzy Swanson (Askov, Minn./East Central) recorded 24 points for the Rams and now sits in 6^th place on the Rams Career Scoring list with 1,261 points. Swanson currently sits 30 points behind 5^th place record holder Elisabeth (Trickey) Jacquot (2009-13). The Rams were held to just a 28.6 field goal percentage and only scored one 3-pointer in the loss. Morris were able to force turnovers and then capitalize right away scoring 16 points off turnovers compared to the Rams two points off turnovers. The Cougars outrebounded the Rams 49-36 helping to extend their lead.

How It Happened:

First Quarter: North Central got on the board first and forced the Cougars to make uncomfortable shots, grabbed the rebounds, and scored. After three minutes of play the Rams lead 4-0 but the Cougars started shooting and the Rams had no answer. Morris led 19-8 at the end of the first quarter.

Second Quarter: The second quarter was all Swanson scoring all of the Rams points in the second quarter but two. However, the Cougars were able to make three-point shots and hit their free throw in times when the Rams shooting was cold extending the lead to 44-22 at the half.

Third Quarter: The Rams came out aggressive after the break but couldn't get shots to fall. Morris' shooting was hitting shots from beyond the arc meanwhile the Rams were shooting but Swanson had multiple baskets bounce in-and-out of the rim and changing possession to the Cougars. The Cougars outscored the Rams 23-11 in the quarter. Morris led 67-33 at the end of the third quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Both teams had 14 points in the fourth quarter but late 3-point and free throw shooting gave the Cougars the edge and eventually the win. Swanson had five points in the quarter. Annabel Morrisroe (Cloquet, Minn./Cloquet) had four rebounds.

North Central is back in action tomorrow afternoon in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play against Crown College. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota.