'ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The North Central University (NCU) men's basketball team was in action on Friday night as they squared off with the Scots of Macalester College. The Rams worked themselves into the driver's seat at halftime thanks to some efficient scoring in the first 20 minutes. With an opportunity to pull away in the second half, the Scots turned the momentum in their favor, taking their first lead of the second half at the 11 minute mark. Once the Scots grabbed on to the lead they were able to scrap and claw and hang on to it for the rest of the contest as they pulled away for a 75-66 victory.

Game Recap
In a battle of two fast-paced and trigger happy teams from behind the three-point arc, the matchup did not dissapoint. The Rams were the first to get on the board jumping out to an early 4-0 lead, but Macalester battled right back. The first 20 minutes was worth the price of adminission as the two paced up and down the floor, resulting in the lead changing hands on six different occasions. With the Rams scoring at an efficient clip (47.6%) in the first half, the Rams put themselves in a good spot at the break leading Macalester by 3. Coming out of halftime, the Rams appeared to be the immediate aggressor, but the Scots were fast to answer right back. With the momentum seeming to be hanging in the balance, Macalaster was the one to grab ahold of it. The Scots stole the lead just about midway through the second half and did not give it up the rest of the way. The Rams threatened to force another lead change late in the ball game after cutting the deficit to just two with five minutes to play, but the Scota answered with a a bucket in the post on the other end to stretch their lead back out and eventually pull away to edge the Rams by a score of 75-66.
Key Performer(s)

• Micah Filer was impressive all night for the Rams. Filer was an efficient 5-11 from the field and finished with 17 points. 
• Jalen Dunlap moved into the starting lineup for the first time this season as was a constant all night for the Rams puring in 15 points. 
• Seth Fuqua was active again for NCU continuing to attack the defense, finishing with 11 points.

Looking Ahead
The Rams have a quick turnaround with a matchup against Emmaus Bible College tomorrow afternoon. This battle is slated for a 3:00 p.m. from Clark Danielson Gymnasium. 

Media: For further information, contact Mike Knipe at 612-343-3541 or email mjknipe@northcentral.edu.