MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- On this Saturday afternoon, the North Central University (NCU) men's basketball team hosted their first Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) matchup of the season against the University of Northwestern (UNW). The teams gave the fans an exciting game to watch as the Rams fell just short of the Eagles, 71-59.

Game Recap

Starting off the game, UNW seemed to take control, taking the early lead. Despite this, NCU kept their composure and slowly got back into the game. Point guard Justin Castro (Kissimmee, FL, Gateway High School) led this charge as he bodied his way to the rim, making fancy layups with lots of Eagle contact. The Rams were able to force four turnovers and made UNW pay for them as they scored ten points off of those turnovers. About halfway through the first half, NCU hit three triples in a row, one each from Micah Filer (Sacramento, CA, Capital Christian School), Castro, and then Kayden Sund (Golden, CO), which tied the game. From then on, the Rams kept with the Eagles as Filer heated up on the offensive end and the rest brought up the intensity on the defensive end. Going into halftime, UNW led 41-33 with the momentum swinging in the direction of NCU.

The Rams got off to a slow start to begin the second half as the Eagles went up by 15. But similar to the first 20 minutes, NCU was determined to stay in the game and again fought back to get the score closer. This time it was from the strength and skill of Jonathan Thompson (Kansas City, MO, Park Hill South High School), as he finished quite a number of buckets by the rim. Thompson, along with Sund, controlled the paint as the Rams had 28 points in the paint and 37 total rebounds. 

With six minutes to go, NCU cut UNW's lead to just five points from a Filer three pointer. The Eagles still managed to pull away as the Rams were unable to come back from the earlier deficit despite their physicality inside and ability to drive the lane. Despite being short three vital players, Seth Fuqua (Colorado Springs, CO, The Vanguard School), Tanner Holtman (Aurora, CO, Grandview High School), and Cameron Thomas (Aurora, CO, Grandview High School), the Rams gave UNW a competitive game of basketball. With the completion of this game, NCU moves to 6-7 (1-2) on the season. 

Key Performers

• Justin Castro had an outstanding night with 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
• Fueled by his second half performance, Jonathan Thompson scored 16 points and grabbed five boards.
• Playing the entire game, Micah Filer added in 13 points.

Looking Ahead

Continuing UMAC play, the Rams travel to Bethany Lutheran College this coming Friday for a 7:15 pm start. All fans are encouraged to tune into official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on the men's basketball team and more important information.