MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team hosted Graceland University (GU) out of Iowa for the Saturday night game. The Rams forced the Yellowjackets in a 24-5 hole in the first quarter and never looked back as NCU took this 81-59 game with ease.

Game Recap

The story of this game was the Ram's highly intense defense. Pressing right from the start, NCU got up on GU's ball handlers without hesitation. The Yellowjackets looked uncomfortable with the pressure in the back court which granted the Rams with many ten second calls. Furthermore, this lock down defense caused 31 turnovers and 18 steals. NCU began this pressure in the first quarter which helped them keep GU to just five points in the first. In turn, the Ram's turned their defense to offense with 28 total points off of turnovers. Aubrey Robinson (Colorado Springs, CO, Sierra High School) used her speed going coast to coast often to get some pretty looking layups. Robinson had 21 points in total.

When NCU did slow the game down, which was rare, they utilized their height, senior post Emily DiGiorgio (Ironwood, MI, Luther L. Wright High School). DiGiorgio received many high low passes as she made her way to 28 points on the night. The Yellowjackets managed a better second half and kept the Rams working in the last 20 minutes. However, the point deficit was too great for GU to overcome, especially as NCU kept up their formidable zone defense. The Rams were poised and unruffled throughout the 40 minutes against the NAIA school, continuing to get better and do greater things as the season progresses. 

Key Performers 

• Leading all scorers with 28 points, Emily DiGiorgio dominated the paint and added in eight rebounds.
• Aubrey Robinson made three buckets from downtown as she had 21 points on the night. She also had five steals, three boards, and three assists.

Looking Ahead

The Rams will head into Thanksgiving break undefeated, rested at 5-0. NCU will get a well deserved rest and wait for their next matchup with Trinity Bible College on Tuesday, the 30th, at 5 pm away. All fans are encouraged to follow official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on the women's basketball team and more important information.