Box Score MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The North Central University (NCU) men's basketball team hit the hardwood on Saturday afternoon in a non-conference affair with the Lions of Finlandia University (FU). In game that saw the Rams shoot an efficient 42% from beyond the arc, NCU cruised to a victory over the Lions by a final score of 99-62.
 
Game Recap

The Rams and Lions started battling directly from the tip in an incredibly fast-paced game. Through the first eight minutes of the game, the lead exchanged back-and-forth a total of six times. Early on it was a collective effort amongst several Rams who found their way into the scoring column. At the 9 and 7 minute-marks, Konnor Jusczak (Pine City, MN, Pine City High School) knocked down a pair of triples that sparked a massive North Central run. The Rams held the Lions to shooting 38% from the field in the first half, while knocking down half of their own attempts. Despite being out-rebounded, NCU held onto the lead for 15 minutes of the first half. Forcing double-digit turnovers was instrumental in the Rams' early success.

North Central used the second half to build on their already 16-point lead from halftime. The Rams held the Lions to shooting 24% from the field while shooting 48% from three themselves. Micah Filer (Sacramento, CA, Capital Christian High School) found the hot-hand by going 7-of-8 from the field himself, posing as a foundational piece to NCU's efficient shooting on the night. The largest that the lead ever grew to was 37 points, fueled by the final score of 99-62.
 
Key Performer(s)

• Micah Filer led the Rams in several ways on the night. The junior netted 21 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and posted a career-high 5 steals on the night.
• Barnabas Preble (Roseville, MN, Concordia Academy) tied his career-high in points with 12, fueled by knocking down an efficient 4-of-6 from three.

 
Looking Ahead

Now having improved to an overall record of 8-5 (5-0 UMAC), North Central men's basketball will get back into conference play on Thursday night when they host the College of St. Scholastica Saints. The matchup will serve as fundamental for NCU and their aspirations of looking to stay on top of the UMAC standings down the final stretch of their regular season. The upcoming contest to be played in Clark-Danielson Gymnasium will tip-off at 7:00p.m. With no fan attendance allowed due to institutional COVID-19 protocols, fans are encouraged to stay posted to NCU Rams social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for updates and information on the upcoming game. Also, tune into ncurams.com/watch to enjoy a free live video broadcast and statistics of the game.