MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Coming off the program's first-ever conference playoff win on Thursday night, the North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team looked to replicate their results in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) semifinals on Saturday night on their own hardwood. In a dominating display of efficient shooting and lock-down defense, the Rams took down the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) 76-54 to advance to the UMAC championship.

Game Recap

North Central controlled every aspect of the game right from the tip-off until the final buzzard sounded. To open the game, the Rams went on a 13-0 in the first two and a half minutes that set the tone for the rest of the game. NCU outscored UMM 26-11 in the first quarter alone, allowing the Rams to dictate the pace the rest of the way. The scored differential was fueled by a firework display of three-point shooting from multiple Rams. The women in blue and gold shot 38% from three in the first half. Their defensive activity also led to 14 points accumulated off of Cougar turnovers. Naomi Hagstrom (Zimmerman, MN, Zimmerman High School) knocked down three triples throughout the half to lead North Centrals scoring efforts and building a commanding lead. The Rams managed to head into halftime up by 20 points on the Cougars.

The third quarter started off with a slight surge by the Cougars, but the Rams responded well and never let the lead get within reach. The Rams maintained their strong lead the rest of the game. The energy on defense leaked into NCU's offensive producing some fast break points and some offensive boards that led to a couple of second-chance baskets. Emily DiGiorgio (Ironwood, MI, Luther L. Wright High School) controlled the paint the entire half, coming down with four offensive rebounds (12 in total). Kadija Conteh (London, UK, City of London Academy) helped the Rams secure the win by converting on several drives to the hoop. After the Rams' starting five had logged heavy-duty minutes for the entirety of the game, head coach Paul Brunner was given freedom to mix-up the rotation and dig into his bench in the final minutes and rest his starting group. Cruising down the stretch and holding the Cougars to only four made threes the entire game, the Rams secured the victory and officially made school history by advancing to the UMAC championship.

Key Performers

• Naomi Hagstrom had a double-double on the night with 22 points and 11 rebounds. The junior forward also went a stellar 5-of-9 from the three-point line.
• Close behind the forward was Kadija Conteh, who tallied a well-rounded night consisting of 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
• Emily DiGiorgio also had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds in addition to three blocks.
• Joelle Talso (Ramsey, MN, Spring Lake Park High School) had 12 points for the Rams and recorded a game-high seven assists.

Looking Ahead

For the first time in North Central athletics history, the Rams will be the hosts for a UMAC championship game. Still holding an undefeated home record this season, NCU women's basketball will enjoy home-court advantage by hosting the Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) Vikings on Monday at 7:00 p.m. We encourage all fans to stay posted to the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter social media pages for information regarding fan attendance for the UMAC championship game. For those unable to attend, the upcoming game will be provided free of charge on ncurams.com/watch.