MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- After a week of practice and preparation, the North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team was eager to get back in action as they hosted the Finlandia University (FU) Lions in a non-conference matchup. The game turned into an exciting back-and forth-match, but the Rams sealed the deal in the fourth quarter, fueling them to the victory over the Lions 67-54.

Game Recap

The Rams started off strong by firing on all cylindars offensively. It was all NCU in the first quarter, with a handful of fast break opportunities and several key stops on the defensive end. The Rams managed to net five three-pointers in the first ten minutes alone, giving them 21 points to the Lions' 13. Naomi Hagstrom (Zimmerman, MN, Zimmerman High School) had two of the the five three-point shots, resulting in a total of five on the night for the junior. The second quarter is where FU found a way to claw back at the lead. The Lions forced several turnovers in the latter half of the quarter, giving them a 33-25 lead.

NCU regrouped in the locker room at halftime and came out with a strong defensive effort, forcing several turnovers and limiting the amount of second-chance points for the Lions. The Lions seemed to be in foul trouble most of the night, which worked out in the Rams favor and they knocked down a total of 16 free throws in the contest. NCU scored 24 points in the third quarter alone, fueling their way to clinching the lead back and hanging onto it the duration of the game. With the lead now back in the blue and gold's hands, the Rams slowed down their offensive and picked apart the Lions' defense to slowly start widening the lead down the stretch. FU was unable to answer NCU's lockdown second half defense, forcing them to turn the ball over 16 times.

The Rams celebrated senior guard Bailey Brewster (Burnsville, MN, Homeschool) for her last home game of the season with a ceremony after the game. Brewster showed her heart, work ethic, and speed today in the game as she tallied two rebounds, three assists, and three steals in the contest.

Key Performers

• Naomi Hagstrom had an impactful night by tying her career-high of 33 points. She also recorded 13 rebounds, securing a double-double.
• Also with a double-double of her own was, Emily DiGiorgio who chipped in 14 points and 13 rebounds.
• Guard Jocelyn Talso (Ramsey, MN, Spring Lake Park High School) gave the Rams 10 points and three steals.

Looking Ahead

As the season winds down, the Rams enter their final week of vital conference play. Women's basketball will hit the road on Thursday and to travel up north and take on the College of St. Scholastica in a UMAC showdown. The Rams will look to stay undefeated in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) and look to get home court advantage in the conference playoffs. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for any scheduling updates and to locate the video broadcast of the upcoming game.