MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - North Central University (NCU) women's basketball took on conference foe University of Minnesota-Morris (UMM) in the final regular season game at Clark-Danielson gymnasium. With multiple factors at play, including a potential birth for the second straight season into the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference playoffs, the Rams readied themselves for a big-time performance. Through one half of basketball, North Central answered the bell, trailing by only four points heading into the locker room. Unfortunately, the first half performance was not enough to send the Rams to a win as they would be outscored 49-37 in the second half, ultimately falling by a final score of 92-76. Regardless of the final score, St. Scholastica's loss to the University of Northwestern - St. Paul helped clinch a second straight playoff birth for the Rams.
Game Recap
The Rams came into the game with much to play for and showed it in how they gritted their way through the first half of play. In the first quarter of play, NCU found itself in a back and forth contest with the Rams leading 17-16 with three minutes to play in the quarter. After a late quarter run by the Cougars, including a layup off of an offensive rebound with five seconds remaining in the quarter, North Central found itself trailing 25-20. Leading the way for the Rams during the first quarter were
Naomi Hagstrom (seven points, three rebounds, one assist) and
Jocelyn Talso (six points on 2-2 3pt. shooting).
In the second quarter,
Kadija Conteh exploded for the Rams in a single-player assault on the scorebook. Conteh scored eight points, recorded three rebounds, and added two assists during the quarter. With 30 seconds left in the half, North Central had cut the lead to 41-39 prior to committing a foul with one second remaining on the clock which allowed for the Cougar's Jadyn Sondrol to add two free throws in pushing the lead to 43-39. In addition to Conteh's output, the Blue and Gold also benefited from their two seniors,
Allison Bulthuis and
Betty Rand, who provided tough defense for the Rams.
With two quarters in the books, North Central seemed poised to take control of the game. After a back and forth battle for the first six minutes of the third, NCU found itself down 58-57 when
Naomi Hagstrom sank two big free throws. Momentum swinging towards the Rams wasn't enough to overcome late turnovers though, as the Rams would cough the ball up three straight possessions while UMM extended the lead to 67-57. Senior
Allison Bulthuis would stop the bleeding when she nailed a three point shot to end the scoring drought, however, the damage had been inflicted and ended with the Rams trailing by a score of 74-62.
Fourth quarter comebacks have been a trademark of the women's team this season, however, tonight's game would not see such a comeback. North Central was unable to stop the hot shooting Cougars in the final quarter as they extended the lead to a final score of 92-76. Though the Rams weren't able to come away with a win on senior night, the team showed incredible character as they fought til the very end. Head Coach
Paul Brunner was able to play a full rotation in the final few minutes which included Tyshanna Ray,
Micayla Jones,
Felicia McKenzie, and
Hannah Grubbs all contributing points down the stretch. Nevertheless, tonight belonged to NCU's two seniors,
Betty Rand and
Allison Bulthuis. Coach Brunner was asked what his two players meant to him and he stated, "I'm just really thankful for their contributions to our program. They have been integral parts in the elevation of North Central University women's basketball. I'm just incredibly happy to have been able to coach both Allison and Betty."
Key Performers
Looking Ahead
Although the Rams celebrated senior night during the regular season finale, their season is far from over. The Rams get another shot at the Cougars when they travel to Morris, Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs Monday night. They look to grow from tonight's tough battle and bring home the team's first ever UMAC playoff victory in the contest. Scheduled tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
Media: For further information, contact
Mike Knipe at 612-343-3541 or email mjknipe@northcentral.edu.
