Minneapolis, MN -- North Central University (NCU) men's basketball team took on the Hamline University (HU) Pipers on New Years Eve. After a long three weeks in between games, the Rams were finally back in action to finish off the calendar year. It was a tough battle, but the Pipers would end up walking away with the victory. 

The Rams got off to a hot start versus the Pipers, going up 12-4 in the game's first five minutes. Hamline was able to fight back, however, as they were strong in the paint and continued to get to the free-throw line. As the clock crossed the halfway mark of the first half, the NCU lead had dwindled down to just one, 17-16. The Pipers would continue to build a lead on the Rams through the remainder of the half as the shots were just not falling for NCU. Going into the final minute of the half, Hamline had an 8-point lead. Cameron Thomas was able to get to the hoop with a nice move in the final minute to get a couple back and bring the score to 34-28 in favor of the Pipers at the half. 

As the second half began, NCU got off to a hot start. Going on another 9-2 run out of the break, the Blue and Gold took a one-point, 37-36, lead just four minutes into the half. Hamline would quickly storm back, going on a 10-1 run of their own. As the clock crossed halfway in the second half, the Pipers had built a 9-point lead. However, North Central refused to be put away early in this one. Over the course of the next six minutes of gameplay, NCU played strong defense, rebounded well, and fought their way all the way back. Zach Kjeseth was able to hit a big three from the corner to bring the Rams within 2 points of the Pipers with just over three minutes remaining. The Pipers would then respond well, taking all the momentum back as they were able to get two quick buckets in a row to push their lead back up to 7 with just two minutes remaining. NCU tried to play the foul game and get back in it, but it was to little to late. As the buzzer sounded, the Pipers would walk away with the victory, 68-58. 

Top Performers:

Caden Freetly: 17 points and 9 rebounds
Cameron Thomas: 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals
Zach Kjeseth: 11 points and 4 rebounds

Looking Ahead:

NCU will be back in action on January 7th as they take the road to play the University of Northwestern in their third conference match up of the season. 

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