MINNEAPOLIS – The North Central University men's basketball team was back in action on Wednesday evening in Clark-Danielson Gymnasium, when they played host to the 1-6 (UMAC) Northland College (NC) Lumberjacks. Without ever giving up the lead from the opening tip-off, the Rams powered their way to a massive conference victory 85-65.

Game Recap
 
Getting his first start of the season was junior guard Germaine Caldwell, who provided the Rams with an immediate impact right away. In the first four minutes of action, Justin Castro was impeccable at being a true facilitator for the group. Castro dished out 3 assists that fueled the Rams to a 12-2 lead early on in the first half. At the 18:10 mark, Riley Loukinen knocked down a massive three assisted by Castro that sent the Rams on a scoring run. With 3:56 left in the first half, Rams increased their lead to 18 by managing a string key stops in the Lumberjacks' half-court offense. This guided NCU to head into halftime holding a 45-31 lead.

After finding their groove offensively, the Lumberjacks managed to cut the Rams' lead down to just 9 within the first few minutes of the second half. From about the 17:10 minute mark, the Rams never looked back, as they continued their hot and efficient shooting coupled by lockdown defense. Micah Filer made his way onto the scene in a major way by finding the bottom of the net on a number of pull-up jump shots halfway through the half. From 15 minutes to about 5 minutes, the Rams held the Lumberjacks to shooting just 22% from the floor, which powered their way to a commanding lead for the duration of the half. Justin Castro continued to tear it up as a true point guard and assisted on 8 more balls during that stretch to give the Rams even more cushion from the Lumberjacks. As the game closed out, the Rams showed a full-court press that resulted in a couple turnovers and sealing the crucial conference win.

Key Performer(s)

Five players found their way on the stat sheet by notching double-digit points.

• Riley Loukinen - 17 points on 6-9 FG (4-7 from three)
• Jalen Dunlap - 18 points and 7 rebounds
• Justin Castro - 8 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals

Looking Ahead
The win now improves the men's basketball team to a 4-12 overall record and 2-6 in the UMAC. As NCU looks ahead to their next opponent, they will hit the road this coming Saturday in their last non-conference matchup of the year against the Sabercats of Maranatha Baptist University. The game is slated for tip-off at 4:00pm