MANKATO, Minn. – The North Central University women's basketball team was back in UMAC action on Wednesday night, as they hit the road to Mankato, Minnesota to take on the Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) Vikings. The Rams found tough-sledding in this one on the defensive end against one of the greatest offenses they'll face this season. (12-2, 5-1 UMAC) The high-scoring affair against the Vikings resulted in NCU dropping the match by a final score of 58-90.

Game Recap

The Rams came into the night's contest anticipating a matchup against one of the best teams they will face during the 2019-20 campaign. The former UMAC champion BLC Vikings showcased why they are considered one of the teams to beat in the conference this season, as they recorded a team-wide 43% three-point shooting percentage during the contest. In the first quarter, the Vikings jumped out to a hot start by setting the tone with a couple deep three-pointers. Alice Cato managed to be the sole highlight for the Rams' offensive attack as she managed to record 7 points in the first half. At the 5:57 mark in the second quarter, Jocelyn Talso knocked down a three to help the Rams turn around a scoring drought that resulted in BLC taking a commanding lead. The second half proved to be much of the same, as the Vikings' stingy defense turned into their offense by forcing 24 total turnovers throughout the contest. With 4:23 left to go in the third quarter, Kadija Conteh converted on made layup to go with a foul in hopes of sparking NCU to a comeback. As the minutes continued to wind down throughout the final 15 minutes of play, they were unable to cut back the Vikings' lead. The Rams did manage to shoot a much more efficient 39% from behind the arc compared to the first half by a couple of three pointers from Hannah Grubbs and Bailey Brewster.
 
Key Performer(s)

• Alice Cato led the way for the Rams with 11 points and 7 rebounds. The Fort Worth, Texas product continues to be an impact player for the Rams off the bench as she is now averaging a steady 5.6 rebounds per game (second-best on the team).

Looking Ahead

Rams women's basketball has now fallen to a 6-8 overall, but a respectable UMAC record of 3-3, which very well keeps them in the playoff hunt early on in their conference play. NCU returns to action in Minneapolis this upcoming Saturday, where they take on the University of Minnesota, Morris Cougars in another vital  UMAC contest. The expected to be highly competitive matchup between the two squads will tip-off at 4:45pm.