Minneapolis, MN -- This evening, the men's basketball team from North Central University (NCU) remained at home for a matchup against the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (UWSP) Pointers. In the previous contest between these two competitors, the Pointers saw a 76-67 victory over the Rams last season. Stevens Point received votes in this year's D3hoops Top 25 national preseason polls Tonight, the Rams nearly overcame an early deficit but fell just short in the last minute 65-62 to the Pointers.
The first half was action-packed from the jump, with both teams trading buckets. Strong backcourt play offensively by Tanner Holtman, Carrington McNeal, and Carmello McNeal kept NCU within striking distance. The teams remained neck and neck through much of the first half, with Stevens Point holding a narrow lead. The Rams began losing momentum as costly turnovers gave the opponent the edge. UWSP eventually grew their lead to double-digits with just under 5 minutes to go in the half. However, timely three-pointers by Carrington McNeal and Nik Feller got the Rams right back in it. As the half drew to a close, Stevens Point pushed their lead to 38-32 headed into the break.
Entering the second leg of the game, the Pointers continued to build their lead early in their return as they scored on three of their first four possessions. The Rams were able to cut the lead to 6 once again off a tough one-legged turnaround jumper by Carrington McNeal. NCU continued to play the Pointers tight defensively, forcing a lot of late clock attempts. UWSP was able to work their way to the charity stripe where they sank six straight attempts to extend their lead back up to 12. However, North Central refused to back down, with a comeback led by Carmello McNeal who went on a 6-point tear of his own to bring it right back to a six-point game. With 7 minutes remaining, NCU went on an 11-4 run to electrify the home crowd and force UWSP to call a timeout with a 60-57 game. With under 2 minutes to play, a big-time three-pointer from Tanner Holtman and two clutch free throws from Malik Siggers made it a one-point game with 15 seconds left. The Rams would intentionally foul to stop the clock and the Pointers calmly knocked in both attempts to make it a 3-point game with with seconds to space. After an NCU timeout, the Rams got a good look at a last-second equalizing three, but it would not find its mark. North Central would lose 65-62 in regulation.
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Looking Ahead:
The Rams will travel to St. Paul to face the Hamline Pipers on Tuesday, November 26th at 7:30 PM.
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