ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team took the short trip to the University of Northwestern (UNW) for a big rematch in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC). The Rams battled hard with the Eagles but ultimately lost with a 71-50 final score.

Game Recap

The Eagles got off to an early lead with some made three point shots, but the Rams responded in the first quarter and cut UNW's lead down going into the second quarter. NCU got some energy from their high pressure on defense which helped them on offense. But the Eagles controlled the game in the second quarter, forcing the Rams to turnover the ball. Bethany Shield (Lincoln, NE, Lincoln Southwest High School) gave NCU some much needed momentum with an and-one three point shot going into halftime. The Eagles led the Rams 34-21 at halftime.

UNW went on a bit of a run to start the third quarter. NCU was able to the work the ball in their half court offense, passing the ball to make the Eagle's rotate on defense. This offensive movement led to a couple of easy layups for the Rams. While they were down going into the fourth quarter, NCU did not give. Aubrey Robinson (Colorado Springs, CO, Sierra High School) and Naomi Hagstrom (Zimmerman, MN, Zimmerman High School) had some late buckets for the Rams, along with Shield who really heated up from downtown. The three point shooting by the Eagles was too much for NCU to overcome as UNW took this game, 71-50.

The Rams move to 15-3 on the season and 5-3 in the UMAC.

Key Performers

• Bethany Shield went off with 17 points and eight rebounds. She shot 80% from the three point line with four made three point baskets.
• Aubrey Robinson scored ten points and had four rebounds and two assists.

Looking Ahead

The Rams play their last nonconference game at Maranatha Baptist University this coming Tuesday at 5 pm. All fans are encouraged to tune into official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on the women's basketball team and much more information.