MANKATO, Minn. -- North Central University (NCU) traveled to the number two seed in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC), Bethany Lutheran College, (BLC) Friday night. It looked as if the Vikings had put this one away early in the second half, but the Rams stormed back from an 18 point deficit to send the game into overtime and ultimately seal the victory, 104-101.

Game Recap

BLC jumped out to an early lead before a pair of triples from Tanner Holtman (Aurora, CO, Grandview High School) got the Rams right back into the game. The Vikings continued to control most of the half but could never put NCU away for good. The Rams played at their own pace, slowing the game down and letting their offense set. Point guard Justin Castro (Kissimmee, FL, Gateway High School) facilitated the Rams scoring, racking up four assists to lead the team. In addition to Holtman,  Micah Filer (Sacramento, CA, Capital Christian School) helped spark the offense with three first-half 3-pointers. 

The Vikings came out of the locker room with the hot hand, extending their lead in the opening minutes of the second half. Cameron Thomas (Aurora, CO, Grandview High School) stopped the Viking's run, hitting his first three-pointer of the game, as things started to heat up for the Rams. With 22 seconds to go, Thomas hit a three to make the score 90-89 in favor of BLC. On the ensuing possession the Vikings split a pair of free throws before Castro quickly responded with a layup to send the game into overtime. 

The extra period was back and forth, adding to the excitement of this nail-biter. Tied again at 101 apiece, the Rams held the ball to wind the clock down. Just as the shot clock was about to expire, Castro hit a step-back three to take the lead for NCU. BLC was unable to answer against the Rams' defense. NCU won the game with a final score of 104-101.

Thomas and Castro led the offensive attack for the blue and gold, who had four players with double-digit scoring. Thomas hit six three-pointers, all in the second half. Castro added in 20 second-half points with seven assists. Filer finished with 20 points, including a crucial offensive rebound put-back, while Holtman rounded out the double-digit scoring with 17, going 4-9 from deep.

This was the first win in 11 games for the Rams over BLC. NCU evens out to 7-7 on the season and 2-2 in the UMAC, as they take down the number two seeded Vikings.

Key Performers

• Justin Castro took control of the game with 28 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
• With a season-high 22-point game, Cameron Thomas hit a career-high six three-pointers, shooting 50% from deep.
• Micah Filer had a solid night with 20 points of his own, hitting four three-point shots.

Looking Ahead

The Rams continue their weekend spurt tomorrow against fellow UMAC opponent, Martin Luther College (MLC). The game will begin at 4:45 pm at MLC. All fans are encouraged to tune into official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for updates on the men's basketball team and much more information.