Morris, MN — This afternoon the North Central University (NCU) Rams matched up against the University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) Cougars. Throughout the entire competition, the point totals were close enough to make the crowds adrenaline rise with seven lead changes. Each team held the lead for eighteen minutes each, balancing each other out in skill and determination. In the end, the Cougars pulled through with the win at a score of 79-72.

Starting out the first half, the Rams showed up with aggression and were able to lead the Cougars through the seven minutes. However, the Rams started to struggle with turnovers and being out of alignment defensively forced them to foul, sending the Cougars to the stripe. Able to return the favor just minutes later, Tanner Holtman, Cameron Thomas, and Micah Filer all were able to cash in from the line after a few strong takes to the rim, tying the game at 20-all with just under 8 minutes to play. Getting their mojo back, the graduate point guard Zach Kjeseth and company got things rolling on the offensive side of the ball. North Central would head to the locker room for half time with a score of 35-31.

Out of the break, NCU would keep things interesting in a neck and neck battle through the first twelve minutes of action. Steady play from Cameron Thomas and Caden Freetly fo left the Rams with a fighting chance, in a game where they would trail through most. Down the stretch, North Central let the deficit slip further in part to getting out rebounded and committing too many personal fouls resulting in easy points for the opposition. The Cougars would win the second have rebounding battle 21-12, and also cash in on 20 points from the charity stripe. The odds stacked against them, the Rams would trail 79-72 at the final buzzer, leaving Morris with the home win. 

See stats from tonight's game HERE.

Top Performers:

Tanner Holtman: 16 points and 5 rebounds
Cameron Thomas: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks
Micah Filer: 13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
Caden Freetly: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal

Looking Ahead:

Join in cheering for the Rams as they host Wisconsin-Superior at home Friday, February 10th at 5:30pm!

All fans are encouraged to tune into the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for all your up-to-date basketball information and news. 
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