MORRIS, Minn. -- The North Central University (NCU) men's basketball team traveled to the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) for their first Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) matchup of the season. The Rams stunned the Cougars as they overcame a 17 point deficit in the first half to win by 13 at a final score of 95-82. 

Game Recap

Opening the game, NCU held a tight game with UMM. Tanner Holtman (Aurora, CO, Grandview High School) got out to a early start with two three pointers in the first three minutes. The Rams were able to respond to the Cougar's offense with many different players. Halfway through the first period, UMM started to pull away as they started making outside shots. The Cougars were up by 17 points with six minutes to go in the first and went into halftime up by 16.

However, coming out of halftime, the Rams looked like a entirely different team as they turned the heat up on UMM. NCU went on a 14-4 run opening the second period and outscored the Cougars 59-30 in this second half, overcoming the first half deficit and then some. The Rams stepped up their defense forcing nine UMM turnovers just in the second half and scoring 18 points off of those turnovers. Furthermore, NCU lit up from downtown with eight three pointers after halftime. Holtman added to his first half points with more three's for a total of five and Micah Filer (Sacramento, CA, Capital Christian School) came alive in the second half with four three's, giving the Rams the juice they needed to overcome the Cougars. The collective energy and talent from NCU surpassed UMM's defense in the paint with post-ups by Cameron Thomas (Aurora, CO, Grandview High School) or layups from Justin Castro (Kissimmee, FL, Gateway High School).

This second half performance by the Rams shocked the Cougars and the fans in the stands as NCU regrouped and took back the game from UMM. With the win, NCU starts out 1-0 in the UMAC and go to 6-4 overall.

Key Performers

• Micah Filer scored 21 points right when the Rams needed it. He also had four assists and two steals.
• Shooting 62% from outside, Tanner Holtman tallied five threes for a total of 17 points along with seven boards.
• Justin Castro had a solid night of 18 points, five assists, and two steals.

Looking Ahead

The Rams head into their second UMAC game of the season tomorrow at 4:45 at Crown College. All fans are encouraged to tune into official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on the men's basketball team and more important information.