Ellendale, ND -- Tonight, the #2 seeded North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team took on the #3 seeded Trinity Bible College (TBC) Lions in the semifinal matchup of this year's NCCAA North Regional Tournament. The Rams played a stout brand of defense in this one as NCU totaled 12 steals, 8 blocks, and held TBC to just 32.3 % from the field. North Central got the win in dominating fashion as the final buzzer sounded with the Rams on top 84-52.
Junior Kaitlyn VanderPloeg set the tone early with a monster block on the first possession. The lead traded hands through the first 4 minutes, with VanderPloeg eventually hitting on a jumper to lead 6-3. NCU scored 7 straight points as Vanderploeg connected again, NiNi Davenport hit her first three-pointer of the night, and Lydia Schroeder scored in the paint. However, had an answer as they pulled back within 4 points. Senior Abby Howe checked in and made an immediate impact as she drilled a three and hit a jumper on consecutive plays. NCU led 26-13 after a strong offensive first quarter.
After a Trinity Bible bucket to kick things off, the Rams went on a 9-point tear to take a 20-point advantage at 35-15. With just under 5 minutes to play in the half, Alyasia Rusch and Mia Mabanag would connect on back-to-back three-pointers.VanderPloeg led the way with 13 points and 6 rebounds in the first half. NCU connected on 6 threes in the half to give them a commanding 51-25 lead.
Caitlyn Ryan forced a steal to allow an NCU run out that resulted in a made jumper from MIa Mabanag. The sophomore guard hit on yet another pull-up the next time down. Ryan and Davenport would each record a three-pointer to push the lead to 31 points. The rest of the quarter slowed down offensively, but the Rams still held the comfortable lead at 71-37.
The Rams would sub down to start the fourth. Ann Smith came into play for North Central and scored two quick buckets. 11 different Rams scored in the game as they cruised to the easy win. NCU also dominated the boards as they out rebounded the Lions 55 to 35 on the night. North Central walked away with the 84-52 win.
Top Performers:
Looking Ahead:
Women's Basketball advances to take on the #5 ranked Crown College Polars in this year's North Region Championship on Saturday, March 9th at 1:00 pm!
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