MORRIS, Minn. -- In a game that pitted North Central University (NCU) women's basketball against Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) foe, University of Minnesota-Morris (UMM), the Rams showed tremendous heart as they battled tough for three quarters. After a tough fourth quarter, North Central would ultimately fall to the Cougars by a final score of 49-77. With the loss, North Central now falls to 4-5 on the season and 2-2 in conference play.

Game Recap

NCU entered the contest knowing they would need to find ways to make up for a lack of size against the Cougars, doing so for three quarters in respectable fashion. After a quick Morris start, head coach Paul Brunner's defensive adjustments led to the Rams keeping the game close, ultimately ending the first half down only six points. During the third quarter, Morris extended its lead behind solid post play from Abby Van Kempen who finished the game with 20 points and 10 rebounds. North Central found themselves on the end of a cold shooting night, 14-64 (21%) from the field, while Morris would get hot late, making the final score worse than the actual game played out. The Cougars scored 28 points in the fourth quarter while holding the Rams to a game low 10, extending the lead out to 49-77 at the final horn. Although the final score turned out lop-sided, the Rams should be able to look at this game as a great benchmark of areas that they have grown in, while also pushing towards improvement in their final two games of the semester. 

Key Performers

• Sophomore Naomi Hagstrom led the Rams with a team high 15 points while also pulling down four rebounds. Hagstrom now finds herself averaging 14 points and five rebounds per game on the season.
• Junior Allison Bulthuis continued her hot shooting from beyond the arc, going 4-8 from downtown to total 12 points on the evening and bringing her season total for three-point shots made to 22. Bulthuis also pulled down six rebounds for the Rams. 

Looking Ahead

North Central is back on the road next week as they match up against NCAA division two Upper Iowa University in an exhibition contest Monday night at 6 p.m. 

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