WATERTOWN, Wisc. -- The North Central University (NCU) women's basketball head into their final non-conference game in the regular season going head to head with Maranatha Baptist University (MBU). The Rams cruised past the Sabercats with a final score of 84-47.

Game Recap

NCU got off to a great start, going on a 11-4 run. The Rams went up 29-10 in just the first quarter, off of some impressive fastbreak offense generated by seven first quarter steals. Naomi Hagstrom's (Zimmerman, MN, Zimmerman High School) two made three point shots added to this major lead. The beginning of the second quarter was much like the first, as NCU's press defense kept up its' intensity and helped gain more offensive possessions for the Rams. However, in the final minutes, MBU fought back and managed to cut NCU's lead just a little bit at a halftime score of  46-21.

Coming out of halftime, NCU controlled the tempo of the game with point guard Kadija Conteh (London, UK, City of London Academy) at the helm. Conteh came out of the game with 16 points as she drove speedily to the hoop multiple times. The Rams capitalized off their offensive rebounds with 17 second change points and also used their size down low with 38 points in the paint, a lot of those baskets coming from post Kaitlyn VanderPloeg (Clear Lake, IA, Clear Lake High School). NCU's subs added in 29 points as they outscored the Sabercats 16-9 in the fourth quarter. It was a great team win for the women's basketball team as they bounce back with the 84-47 win.

The Rams complete the sweep of the Sabercats previously beating MBU 84-34 back in December. Furthermore, NCU notches another win on their very impressive 16-3 record.

Key Performers

• Shooting 85% from the field, Kadija Conteh racked in 16 points, three assists, and three steals.
• Kaitlyn VanderPloeg grabbed her first career double double with ten points and ten rebounds.
• With six rebounds and five steals, Aubrey Robinson also scored ten points for the Rams.

Looking Ahead

The Rams have a weekend packed with Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) basketball. NCU will face off with Crown College (CC) for the second time this season, getting the best of CC in their first showoff 95-52. The game will be held in Ram's territory this Friday at 5:30 pm. Fans will receive a limited time baby blue t-shirt while supplies last. Also, fans are encouraged to tune into official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on the women's basketball team and more important information.