ST. PAUL, Minn. -- In their last game of 2021, the North Central University (NCU) men's basketball team traveled across the river to St. Paul in a nonconference matchup against Hamline University (HU). In an exciting matchup that went into double overtime, the Rams were unable to hold on as the Pipers won 97-90.

Game Recap

Opening up the game, the Rams and the Pipers exchanged baskets making it a competitive matchup. In just his second game of the season, Konrad Bueckers (Pine River, MN) found his rhythm right away as he had nine first half points. HU pulled away by as many as nine points in the first half, but NCU fought to get back into the game. A sequence with a defensive stop, a fast break three from Tanner Holtman (Aurora, CO, Grandview High School), a steal and layup from Raiyez Mann (Bloomington, MN, Jefferson High School) got the Rams within a few points of the Pipers. Closing out the half, Micah Filer (Sacramento, CA, Capital Christian School) hit nine straight points to help the Rams get the lead 43-37.

The Pipers came out of the locker swinging as they regained the lead in the first five minutes. From then on, it was a back and forth game. The Rams switched from their outside game to utilize their movement in the paint. NCU scored off of many dump downs to Mann or passes off the drive to Jonathan Thompson (Kansas City, MO, Park Hill South High School). Thompson came alive in the second half as he had 25 total points, blowing past anyone guarding him. The intensity of the teams never let up, leading all the way to the final seconds. With 1.6 seconds remaining, the score was tied 71-71 with both teams unable to get a basket, sending the game into overtime.

The added five minutes was much like the second half, as both teams went back and forth adding points to the score. The lead only fluctuated between two to three points in the overtime and to the players' dismay, the extra period ended in another tie. In the second overtime, the Pipers quickly jumped to a lead that the Rams were unable to catch. NCU battled in a long game but were beaten by HU 97-90. With this matchup, the Rams move to 6-5 on the season.


Key Performers

• Jonathan Thompson had a career high 25 points in tonight's game.
• Off of three three pointers, Micah Filer had 18 points.
• Tanner Holtman dominated the boards with 13 rebounds along with eight points.

Looking Ahead

The men take about a week to prepare for their first Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) matchup of the new year against the University of Northwestern. The game will be held on Saturday, January 8th, at 4:45 pm in NCU's gym. All fans are encouraged to tune into official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on the men's basketball team and much more information.