MINNEAPOLIS – The North Central University women's basketball team was back in UMAC action on Wednesday night, as they took on the Northland College (NC) Lumberjills. In thrilling fashion, the Rams clinched a nail-biting win by a final score of 80-76.

Game Recap

NCU found themselves in a grudge match with the Lumberjacks through the entire first half of action. Early on, it was Allison Bulthuis who got NCU going with a three to start off the game and a layup dished by Kadija Conteh. In the first half, North Central managed to pace Northland in both shooting efficiency and total rebounds, which paved the way to holding the lead for slightly longer than the Lumberjills. In the first few minutes of action, NC was able to jump out to a quick 9-3 in the first quarter, but it did not last long as a few put-backs by Emily DiGiorgio fueled the Rams to storming back quickly and regaining the lead. After trading leads back and forth during the second quarter, DiGiorgio continued wreaking havoc on the Lumberjill post players. The junior center notched 10 total rebounds in the first half alone. Bethany Shield also made her impact in the first half with 3 assists, which guided the Rams to head into halftime up 43-41 in the tight battle.
 
The Rams came out in the third quarter continuing to trade leads yet again with the Lumberjills. Jocelyn Talso knocked down a couple shots from behind the arc early in the third quarter to give the Rams a stable lead at the 4:30 mark. In the fourth quarter, the lead between either team never expanded further than nine points. Hitting vital free throws down the stretch by Emily DiGiorgio and Naomi Hagstrom powered the Rams to clinching the game in the final seconds of play after a key defensive stop in the half-court. The Rams have been in tremendously close matchups their past two games, and have been able to prevail in these late-game situations.
 
Key Performer(s)

• Emily DiGiorgio was ferocious in the post by recording 16 points and a profound 16 rebounds.
• Sophomore transfer Kadija Conteh provided her impact on the game with a well-balanced stat-line of 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Looking Ahead

NCU women's hoops have now won the last three of their four games, and are on a great path to repeating another UMAC playoff berth. Now sitting at an overall .500 record of 8-8 and an impressive 5-3 in the UMAC the Rams have tremendous potential to continue shaking up the conference standings. The Blue and Gold will strive to build on the momentum and carry it into their next matchup, where they are set to face the Maranatha Baptist University Sabercats in their last non-conference contest of the season at 2:00pm.