NEW ULM, Minn.– Another road contest for the Rams resulted in another heartbreaking loss. North Central University (NCU) experienced an 8 minute scoring drought and found themselves down 20 points early in the second half. Finding themselves in a self-inflicted deep hole, the Rams dug in on the defensive end and used their efforts on that side of the ball to fuel their offense. NCU had a shot in the final seconds to force overtime, but was unable to connect, falling by a score of 64-61.
 
Game Recap
After the two clubs traded buckets in the early going, the score was knotted at 11. The two continued to trade buckets and go on their own mini runs, resulting in another even score 10 minutes into the contest. Following another five minutes with a similar pattern, MLC began to pull slightly ahead in the contest. The Knights held the Rams scoreless for the last 5 minutes of the contest and took a seven point lead into the break.

The scoring drought carried into the second half for the Rams as they were unable to find the bottom of the net for the first four minutes of the second half. After finally making some movement on the scoreboard after nearly 9 minutes, the Rams continued to struggle to string together possessions of execution on the offensive end. Following a layup in the paint by the Knight's Ethan Eisenmann, the Rams found themselves in a 20 point deficit. On the verge of a tough road loss and with their backs against the wall, the Rams turned up the defensive intensity and battled back. NCU manufactured a 17-8 run in the proceeding 12 minutes to give themselves an opportunity to steal the ball game in the final minute. With some missed opportunities at the free throw line by the Knights, the Rams had two opportunities from the behind the arc in the final 10 seconds, but both missed the mark as the Rams fell in another heartbreaking road loss. 
 
Key Performer(s)

• Micah Filer - 17 points (7-15 FG), 7 rebounds
• Jalen Dunlap - 14 points, 6 rebounds
• Germaine Caldwell - 10 Points, 10 rebounds

Looking Ahead
The loss to the Knights officially eliminates the Rams from the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference playoff picture, but their is still a lot to play for as the Rams finish with three regular season contests. NCU will continue to battle for their two seniors, Riley Loukinen and Dolan Tierney, with their next match up coming against Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minn. on Saturday afternoon.