MANKATO, Minn. -- The North Central University (NCU) men's basketball team was on the road for the final time in the 2018-2019 season as they faced off against the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference's (UMAC) number two seed, the Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) Vikings. North Central was very efficient shooting the ball throughout the contest, but were unable to slow down the Viking's pace throughout the contest. Bethany played at an impressive pace on both ends of the floor, forcing the Rams into 13 turnovers and turning many of those into points. The Rams could not find an answer for the Vikings as they fell on the road by a score of 106-75.
Game Vitals
- BLC connected on more Free Throws (26) than NCU shot (19)
- Rams were sped up into 17 turnovers while the Vikings committed only 6
Game Recap
- The Vikings won the tempo battle early in the contest, as the Rams were sped up on the offensive and defensive side of the floor. NCU struggled to find much flow on the offensive end as turnovers plagued them throughout the contest. Bethany was not only squeezing out turnovers, but they were able to turn most of those takeaways into points. The Vikings built up their lead to 18 midway through the first half thanks to a 13-0 run that included two threes in transition. The Rams finally found a way to slow down the Viking's offense to close out the half as they outscored Bethany by four in the final 8 minutes, but still headed to the break trailing 46-32. Bethany did not take their foot off the gas in the second half as they pushed their lead 25 with just over nine minutes to play thanks to another basket in transition for the Vikings. NCU was unable to mount much of a comeback, due to their inopportune giveaways. Bethany eventually pushed the lead to 31, with just under 3 minutes to play. The Rams were fairly efficient from the field as they shot 41% and 50% from behind the arc, but were constantly bitten by turnovers and fouls, giving Bethany more opportunities to score. Jared High had a very efficient night, but unfortunately for the Rams, it would not be enough as Bethany continued take advantage of their extra opportunities, cruising to a 106-75 victory.
Key Performers
Next Up
- The Rams head back home for their final contest of the 2018-2019 season on Saturday, February 16th, against the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. and seniors, Jared High, AJ McGrew, and Jack Martin, will be honored prior to the start of the contest.
MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact
Justin Brown at 612-343-3539 or email Jdbrown@northcentral.edu.
