ST. BONIFACIUS, Minn. -- Playing in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) semi-finals, the North Central University (NCU) matched up with Crown College (CC). The score was close throughout 40 minutes but went to the Storm with a final score of 72-68.

Game Recap

From the tip off, it was a competitive game between the number three seeded Rams and the number two seeded Storm. The teams traded baskets in the opening minutes, making it anyone's game. CC pulled away with a single digit lead mid-way through the first half with some decent three point shooting, but the Rams battled back to get in the game. NCU fought to get eight first half offensive rebounds to gain extra possessions on offensive, generating some much needed points. NCU regained the lead late in the first but went into halftime down by one point at 36-35.

The same energy and intensity of the first half followed into the second as the teams went back and forth on the scoreboard. Micah Filer (Sacramento, CA, Capital Christian School) did his normal work on the offensive end getting a good chunk of points for the Rams. Justin Castro (Kissimmee, FL, Gateway High School) backed his way to the rim many times as well to get some offense going for NCU. The Rams kept up their aggression on the offensive boards, but so did the Storm who got a couple of second change baskets in the second half. NCU scored 48 of their points in paint relying in their drivers for points. With two minutes to go, the Storm got up by three with a shot behind the arc. Castro answered with a layup but the time wound down before NCU could retake the lead.

Now at 16-11, the Rams finish the UMAC tournament one game away from the championship.

Key Performers

• Shooting 52% from the field, Micah Filer scored 27 points.
• Justin Castro added in 14 points.
• Jonathan Thompson (Kansas City, MO, Park Hill South High School) grabbed eight rebounds while scoring eight points as well.

Looking Ahead

While the Rams are out of the UMAC tournament, they will apply for a bid to go to the NCCAA Nationals in Missouri during the week of March 7th-12th. All fans are encouraged to tune into official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on the men's basketball bid to the NCCAA Nationals and much more information.