NEW ULM, Minn. – North Central University (NCU) Men's basketball is on the road following their previous road win last Saturday. Having already faced the Martin Luther College (MLC) Knights earlier in the year, the Rams were striving to repeat their performance in New Ulm, MN. The blue and gold came out on top once more with an overwhelming assault from three-point range, sinking nearly as many threes as attempted by the Knights. The final score ended up reading 67-60 in favor of the Rams.
 

Recap

To start the competition, the Knights capitalized on the first position earning them their only lead of the night. The Rams quickly shifted the momentum, going on a 5-0 run to secure them the advantage, which they held for the entire game. It was a defensive night for both teams, with the Rams shooting 33.3% from the field and MLC not faring much better with a percentage of 34.5%. NCU capitalized on the low percentage shooting game and out rebounded MLC 24-18 in the first half. The Rams were able to get seven offensive boards leading to second chances thanks to Tanner Holtman (Aurora, CO, Grandview High School), who ended with three offensive rebounds, and Jonathan Thompson (Kansas City, MO, Park Hill South High School), who picked up three. NCU headed to the locker room up 28-24.

Maintaining their momentum from the first period, North Central went on an 8-2 run to expand their lead, even earning them their largest lead of the contest. The battle continued throughout the night, but the score continued to favor the Rams until the final buzzer sounded. The Rams capitalized on 12 steals for the night, earning them 24 of their 67 points. Leading the team in scoring was Seth Fuqua (Colorado Springs, CO, The Vanguard School), who had 18 points and six assists. In addition to Fuqua 18 points, Micah Filer (Sacramento, CA, Capital Christian High School) put up 16 of his own, shooting an incredible 62.5% downtown. MLC had no answer. Tonight's team effort cemented this win and protected NCU's undefeated UMAC record. When regulation ended, the scoreboard read 67-60, Rams.

Key Performers

• Seth Fuqua netted 18 points and contributed six assists, as well as picking up four rebounds tonight.
• Micah Filer finished the game with 16 points on an impressive 62.5% from three and six rebounds and five steals.
• Justin Castro (Kissimmee, FL, Gateway High School) also contributed to tonight's win with 14 points of his own and securing six rebounds along the way.

Looking Ahead

Yet to lose on their home court, North Central men's basketball is back at home this Saturday with a non-conference matchup against Finlandia University. As a reminder, there will be no fan attendance allowed in the Clark-Danielson Gymnasium due to institutional COVID-19 protocols. Be sure to stay posted to NCU Rams social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for updates, information, live video broadcast, and live statistics regarding this matchup.