MINNEAPOLIS -- The North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team tipped-off the 2019-20 season on their home court in front of a packed crowd on Saturday afternoon. The Rams went head-to-head against the NACC-affiliate Edgewood College (EC) Eagles, who managed an incredibly efficient scoring afternoon against the Rams to take the victory 104-78.

Game Recap

A deep and hot shooting Eagles squad held the storyline in this one. For the majority of the game, NCU was within striking distance of the Eagles, but couldn't overcome the momentum they gathered in the second half. In the first quarter, NCU started off with the advantage by jumping out to a quick 9-4 lead. After multiple lead changes the rest of the quarter, EC only managed a 2 point lead heading into the second. From that point on, the Eagles started firing on all cylinders from behind the arc. NCU worked well to get back in transition on the defensive end, but incredible shooting from multiple Eagles posed as too much for the Rams to handle. With multiple Eagles finding their way into double-digit scoring, the versatility posed as too much for NCU to handle. Although the Rams were unable to come out on top in this one, the Blue and Gold showcased tremendous transition defense and high ball-movement, which will serve exceedingly well for the group moving forward into the rest of their 2019-20 campaign.

Key Performer(s)

• Naomi Hagstrom led NCU from the offensive end of the court. The sophomore forward out of Zimmerman High School picked up right where she left off last season by dropping 18 points on 50% shooting from the field.
• Allison Bulthuis and Betty Rand each notched 3 threes of their own on an incredibly efficient 6-12 shooting combined from behind the arc.
• Bethany Shield and Kadija Conteh were great facilitators on the floor, as the two guards each recorded 4 assists.

Looking Ahead

After falling in their home opener, NCU will look to bounce back in a quick turnaround on Tuesday. The Rams are set to face the St. Olaf College Oles in a MIAC-UMAC cross conference matchup. The Oles will make a short trip to visit the Rams in Minneapolis from Northfield, MN, and the prime-time matchup is set to tip-off at 7:00p.m.