Grand Forks, ND -- North Central University (NCU) Rams men's basketball headed west for a Division I road matchup with the University of North Dakota (UND) Fighting Hawks. Despite their best efforts, the length and offensive efficiency of UND proved to reign supreme, ending in a 99-48 loss for NCU.
Things didn't look good early for the Rams, as they turned the ball over in their first two possessions of the game. Also unable to find the back of the net, UND capitalized by going on a 13-0 run over the span of seven minutes of play. The rest of the half was much of the same with North Dakota stringing together impressive scoring streaks and North Central seemingly not able to get the lid off the rim. The Blue and Gold conceded a 12-0 run from the 7:00 to 3:00 minute mark, and yet another 8-0 run to end the first half. North Central's sharp shooting duo, Tanner Holtman and Micah Filer, were the only players to get anything rolling on the offensive end, scoring 12 of the team's 18 total first-half points. UND's impressive 60% field goal percentage and 50% shooting from behind the arc was their recipe for success through the first twenty minutes of action. After a dismal first-half performance, NCU trailed 55-18.
Out of the break, North Central would strive to get any sort of momentum to swing in their favor. Holtman, never lacking any display of grit, led the Rams on both ends of the floor with blocks and steals that led to buckets in transition. Despite these efforts, UND continued to show excellent offensive consistency and efficiency, stretching the lead to 55 points with 8 minutes to go in the game. North Central, however, did show improvements with their defensive pressure and awareness, forcing the Fighting Hawks into 10 turnovers in the second half. In a game that was all but over, freshman guard Tyler VanEtten, took full advantage of his late-stage minutes, putting up 6 points, on 3-4 shooting from the field, in just 9 minutes played. North Central went on to lose 99-48 in this exhibition game with North Dakota.
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Looking ahead:Â
NCU Men's Basketball will enjoy some rest over the holiday break before their next competition against non-conference opponent, Hamline University, at HOME on December 31st. Tip-off is at 3:00 pm!
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