Minneapolis, MN -- The North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team faced Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) in a home conference game this Friday inside the Clark-Danielson Gymnasium. These two teams have been neck and neck for the past couple of years and this first season meeting did not disappoint. An impressive comeback performance helped the Rams secure the 65-60 victory over the visiting Vikings.

The game started in a defensive battle, as both teams had a hard time sinking shots. As buckets were hard to come by, BLC was able to find some success in getting to the charity stripe, where they went 6-6 in the first quarter of play. As the second quarter got underway, fouls and free throws continued to be the story of the game. Through the first five minute of the second quarter, there was only a combined 6 points scored off made free throws from either team. Until North Central guard, Joelle Talso, found the hot hand and scored 6 straight points to bring the game within three. A poor combined 1-14 three point shooting really hindered both teams from capturing any offensive rhythm. After a second chance put-back layup from Mia Mabanag and a free throw from Bryce Brewster, the Rams were able to head into the locker room knotted at 22-22.

The Vikings opened up the third quarter with a 10-2 run. Points-off turnover's and getting to the free throw line was the Vikings recipe for success in this quarter, where they stretched the lead to 13 with just under 3 minutes to go. Although, second chance buckets and offensive rebounding from Caitlyn Ryan and Joelle Talso  helped keep the game within reach for the Rams. NCU would trail 35-43 going into the fourth quarter. The Blue and Gold came out hungry in the fourth, going on an 8-0 run to tie the game up at 43-43 with 8:13 left in the game. BLC responded with a few three's, but NCU continued to keep pressure on as they contested shots from the paint. Kaitlyn VanderPloeg recorded an outstanding 3 blocks in the final quarter, absolutely dominating the paint. A crafty layup from Joelle Talso tied the game with 55 seconds remaining. Then a blocked shot led to a beautiful kick out three that Mia Mabanag banged home, giving NCU a three point lead. The Vikings were unable to cash in on their potential game-tying three point attempt, and Kaitlyn VanderPloeg sealed the deal with an exciting put back bucket in the waning seconds of the contest. North Central earns another conference win, defeating the Vikings 65-60.

Top Performers:

Joelle Talso (Ramsey, MN): 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists
Mia Mabanag (Danville, CA): 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists
Caitlyn Ryan (Papillion, NE): 8 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 steals
Kayla Hola (Bastrop, TX): 4 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks

Looking Ahead:

NCU will be back in action tomorrow (1/14) on their home court once again. They will take on Martin Luther College at 4:45 PM.

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