MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team took on their second Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) opponent of the year, the Northland College (NC) Lumberjills. The Rams now sitting at a 10-2 overall (2-0 UMAC) record, went on a massive run in the second half that was too much for the Lumberjills to respond back from, resulting in a 82-45 victory for the women in blue and gold.

Game Recap

The Lumberjills had the Rams on their heels to start the game. NCU, who is normally a strong three-point shooting team, struggled to get their shots to fall early on. In the first 20 minutes of action, NCU could only get a few threes to fall through the net. Despite the slow offensive start, the Rams were able to rely on what would be a solid all-around defensive effort that contained NC to 25 points in the first two quarters. NCU managed to get Northland to turn the ball over 9 times in the first half alone, leading to several buckets in transition the other way. This secured an 11-point lead headed into the halftime break.

The lead did not stay that way for long, as the Rams came out with an intensity in their offensive halfcourt sets they needed to run the Lumberjills out of the gym. NCU went on a 10-2 run to start the third quarter, causing Northland's head coach to call a timeout to figure out how to stop the rejuvenated Rams. With point guard Kadija Conteh (London, UK, City of London Academy) pushing the ball up the court, and center Emily DiGiorgio (Ironwood, MI, Luther L. Wright High School) working the paint, the Rams could not be stopped, as the dynamic duo sparked what would be a massive run to close out the game down the stretch. NCU made up for missed outside shots with 66 points in the paint and 56 total rebounds on the night, both season-highs.

Key Performers

• Emily DiGiorgio had yet another double-double, posting 23 points and 17 rebounds.
• Freshman Joelle Talso (Ramsey, MN, Spring Lake Park High School) gave the Rams a solid night with 16 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
• Kadija Conteh shot a respectable 66% from downtown, giving her 14 points for the game. She also had three steals.
• Naomi Hagstrom (Zimmerman, MN, Zimmerman High School) contributed 12 points and seven rebounds.

Looking Ahead

The Rams have a quick turnaround, as they will travel to the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) on Saturday afternoon. Tip-off is slated for 3:00 p.m. NCU will be in search of continuing their impressive 2020-21 by collecting their first win at UMM in program history. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to NCU Ram's Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for any scheduling updates and all information related to North Central women's basketball. Also, navigate the the women's basketball schedule on ncurams.com to find the live video broadcast of the upcoming game.