NORTHFIELD, Minn. -- Coming off a nice weekend win, the North Central University (NCU) men's basketball team traveled to St. Olaf College (SOC) for the midweek matchup. The Rams hung around for most of the game, but the Oles pulled away late finishing with a 72-64 win.

Game Recap

Right from the start, this nonconference matchup was intense and fun to watch. The teams traded baskets for most of the first half. SOC maintained the lead mostly, but never by more than eight in the first half. The Rams were always right behind the Oles, ready to charge ahead. Micah Filer (Sacramento, CA, Capital Christian School) and Tanner Holtman (Aurora, CO, Grandview High School) generated some good offense to start the game. NCU's stopped SOC from scoring initially, but the Oles had a few offensive put-backs to keep their lead.

With a halftime score of 33-29, the Rams went right back into battle with the Oles in the second 20 minutes. The game was scrappy on both ends, with multiple rebounds fought over by four or more players and constant in your face man-to-man defense. Anytime SOC seemed to escape with the victory, NCU would respond. The Rams' three pointers and free throws kept them in the game. The team as a whole shot 41% from beyond the arc. Individually, Filer shot 60% and Konnor Jusczak (Pine City, MN, Pine City High School) shot 75%. From the free throw line, NCU shot a collective 88%, missing only two out of 17 free throws. The Rams were unable to make their defensive stops and offensive bursts sync up down the stretch and the Oles narrowly won this fierce battle of basketball.

Key Performers

• Micah Filer led all players with 21 points, shooting 60% from the three point line.
• Dominating the paint, Cameron Thomas (Aurora, CO, Grandview High School) added 13 points along with five rebounds.
• Point guard Justin Castro (Kissimmee, FL, Gateway High School) recorded four assists, seven rebounds, and 10 points, which were all scored in the second half.

Looking Ahead

With no time to rest, the Rams get back into action this Friday against Central Christian College of the Bible at home with a 7:30 pm start time. For updates on the men's basketball team and much more information, all fans are encouraged to follow official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages.