ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The third seeded North Central University (NCU) men's basketball team was on the road tonight in the Upper Midwestern Athletic Conference (UMAC) semifinal playoff round at the number two seed, the University of Northwestern, St. Paul (UNW). Following their heartbreaking overtime loss just over a week ago, the Rams attempted to overcome the Eagles on their court to advance to the UMAC finals. After 40 minutes of back-and-forth action for the NCU men's basketball team, who was without leading scorer Seth Fuqua (Colorado Springs, CO, The Vanguard School) due to an ankle injury, the Eagles finally pulled away with it to end regulation with a score of 51-67 and eliminated North Central from the playoffs.
 
Game Recap
 
The Rams won the opening tip-off and managed to get a quick two-point score by Justin Castro (Kissimmee, FL, Gateway High School). UNW was quick to respond, scoring in their first possession as well. After exchanging multiple scoreless possessions, Cameron Thomas (Aurora, CO, Grandview High School) ended the drought with a powerful move in the paint that put the Rams up. NCU was able to force a 30-second violation on the Eagles to regain possession of the ball. This was not enough to secure the lead, unfortunately. Northwestern then went on a 6-0 run forcing North Central to call a 30-second timeout. Scoring 14 of the Rams total points off of turnovers by the Eagles, the Rams were able to steal back the lead with the help of a clutch three-point shot by Micah Filer (Sacramento, CA, Capital Christian High School) to go up by one point. UNW was fouled the next possession to get the opportunity to go up by one from the charity strike. They capitalized on this opportunity to take back the lead. There was another large scoreless stretch that spanned over a few minutes halfway through the half. This silent period was ended by North Central's intense defense, which nearly secured them another possession by way of a 30-second violation. Still, UNW managed to get a shot off with one second left and converted on a second chance opportunity. Thomas went to work on the inside and got two quick baskets followed by a three-pointer, showcasing the true freshman's versatility. With a corner three dialed in by Jalen Dunlap (Houston, TX, Hightower High School), coach Dan DeWitt called a full timeout to talk with 3:22 left in the first half. After exchanging a few more baskets, the Eagles hit a big three down the stretch to go up 29-37 going into halftime.
 
To start the second half, Justin Castro broke the silence once again. The Rams' eight-point deficit was cut to six after a steal and assist by Tanner Holtman (Aurora, CO, Grandview High School). The Eagles widened the gap to ten at one point, but Jonathan Thompson (Kansas City, MO, Park Hill South High School) brought the lead back to an eight-point Eagles lead. UNW called a call a timeout after this with 12:37 left in the half while leading 42-50. The score remained the same for nearly five minutes as the clock continued to wind down. It was once again Thompson who ended the silence with a beautiful finish inside the paint. Northwestern responded by converting on a momentum-stealing and-one play, fueling the Eagles to an 11-point lead. This resulted in the largest lead of the night for either team. UNW then managed to hold onto the lead for the rest of the game despite another clutch three-pointer by Filer late in the half. Northwestern ended up besting North Central 51-67, ending the Rams' season just one game shy of competing in a UMAC championship.
 
Key Performers

• Justin Castro was highly involved in the action, leading the Rams in scoring with 15 points, six assists, two steals, and grabbing four rebounds.
• Jonathan Thompson was instrumental in keeping the Rams in the second half, scoring 10 points and securing six boards.
• Cameron Thomas had a phenomenal first half that brought momentum and energy for the Rams, ending the night with 13 points and seven rebounds.

 
Looking Back

In a season of constant change and uncertainty for the men in blue and gold, a lot is to be said of the North Central men's basketball team and how they competed in the 2020-21 season. Several key returners made their way back into head coach Dan DeWitt's rotation this year while multiple newcomers also made immediate impacts in their first collegiate seasons. In just his second year of taking the reigns of the NCU men's basketball program, DeWitt increased the team's overall record from 6-19 (3-13 UMAC) to 9-9 (5-3 UMAC) while managing to host the first-ever men's basketball conference playoff game in Clark-Danielson Gymnasium. Looking ahead to next year, the program will say goodbye to lone senior Jalen Dunlap, who was instrumental in leading the Rams to a historic season that unfolded this year. For press releases, news, and updates regarding North Central men's basketball during the upcoming offseason, fans are encouraged to continue staying posted to ncurams.com and official NCU Rams social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).