ELLENDALE, North Dakota -- After a week of Thanksgiving break, the North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team got back into action for a nonconference matchup with Trinity Bible College (TBC). A strong second quarter ultimately pushed the Rams over the Lions for a 101-63 victory.

Game Recap

The Rams suited up against the scrappy NCCAA opponent looking to blow them out of the gym. The Lions were able to hold their own in the first quarter despite 30 points from NCU. However, the second quarter was where the Rams took control outscoring TBC 25-8. Kadija Conteh (London, UK, City of London Academy) was a spark for the Rams in these ten minutes adding 12 points. The Lions struggled to get anywhere near the rim because of the lockdown defense from NCU. All five Rams on the court worked together and aggressively to stop any of the TBC players from advancing the ball. NCU had seven steals in the second quarter alone led by Aubrey Robinson (Colorado Springs, CO, Sierra High School) who had four, six total. The Ram's tough defense and fluid offense had them up at half 55-30.

Coming out of halftime, NCU kept their lead ranging anywhere from 25 to 38 points. The Lions never found out how to stop any of the Ram's offense and it showed on the scoreboard. Naomi Hagstrom (Zimmerman, MN, Zimmerman High School) had quite the night offensively as she netted eight shots behind the arc, shooting 73% from three. Hagstrom had 26 points total and grabbed ten boards for a double double. Emily DiGiorgio (Ironwood, MI, Luther L. Wright High School) also collected a double double as she dominated the paint on both sides of the floor.

All of the Rams' players contributed to the win as NCU displayed the depth of their team throughout the 40 minute game. This was NCU's third 100 point game of the season as they move to 6-0 to end November.

Key Performers

• Naomi Hagstrom shot 8-11 from the three point line as she scored 26 points. She recorded a double double with those points and ten rebounds.
• Senior Emily DiGiorgio followed Hagstrom's lead with a double double adding 14 points and ten rebounds.
• Using her speed to get to the rim, Kadija Conteh put up 22 points along with four assists.

Looking Ahead

The Rams prepare for a busy weekend with a home event against Maranatha Baptist University at 3 pm. All fans are encouraged to tune into official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on the women's basketball team and other important information.