Minneapolis, MN -- North Central University (NCU) men's basketball faced off with the Coe College (CC) Kohawks from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In the previous meeting between the two teams last fall, the Rams were dealt a close loss by the Kohawks that resulted in a 72-70 final score. This evening, the Rams experienced struggles shooting from deep as they fell to the Kohawks once again, this time with a final score of 80-69.

The first half began with high-paced competition. The Rams were led by strong performances from players like Carmello and Carrington McNeal, as well as Malik Siggers who also provided significant scoring, particularly in the paint. Connor Yslas and Josh Hoffman added solid scoring off the bench as well. NCU never led in the first half, with their closed opportunity coming at a tied 13-13 game with 11 minutes to play. Despite trailing through most of the half due to a handful of turnovers, the Rams were able to hang around until the buzzer. A big-time three-pointer from senior Steven Colon cut the Kohawk's lead to just three headed into halftime at 35-32. 

After returning from the break, Carmello McNeal drilled the equalizing three to tie things at 35-all. Unfortunately, Coe answered with an 8-0 run to put themselves back out in front. NCU big-men Cameron Thomas and Elijah Smith capitalized down low with some strong finishes in the paint, eventually tying things up at 56-56 with 10 minutes to play. North Central took its first lead of the game on a running floating by guard Remy Wedgeworth-Brown. Over the ensuing three minutes of action, the lead would trade hands 6 times as the teams fought hard. Coe's late-game execution, including numerous hard takes to the rim and finishes in the paint, helped keep NCU at bay. Though North Central showed resilience and competitive energy, they were unable to overcome Coe's scoring and defensive intensity, finishing with an 80-69 loss.

Top Performers:

• Carmello McNeal: 19 points and 3 rebounds
• Carrington McNeal: 7 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds
• Malik Siggers: 9 points

Looking Ahead:

The Rams will take a break for Christmas before returning on Saturday, December 28th to face Central College in the Loras Classic Invitational in Loras, Iowa. The game is set to tip off at 4:00 PM.

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