Minneapolis, MN -- The North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team returned home this afternoon to host the Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) Vikings at the Clark-Danielson Gymnasium. The last time these two competitors met, the Rams fell just short of the Vikings by a final score of 65-63 towards the end of last season. This evening, NCU would lead early in the first quarter, but BLC gained the lead and never looked back as they went on to win 65-53.
The Rams went back and forth with the Vikings early as NCU looked to attack down low. After leading 7-6 thanks to a tip-in layup by
Magdalena Daukaus, Bethany went on a 10-0 run in the final 4 minutes of the quarter to take the lead at 17-7.
A three-pointer by
Alaysia Rusch would cut the lead to single digits to start the second quarter. However, despite a strong effort from
Brycelyn Brewster, the Rams couldn't overcome the Vikings' balanced attack. North Central trailed 37-21 heading into halftime.
Out of the break, guards
Brycelyn Brewster and
Jackie Lindsay gave NCU the offensive spark they were looking for. The Rams were able to pull within 5 points by the 2-minute mark. Bethany Lutheran finished the quarter strong as they took a 50-39 lead.
In the final quarter, NCU's offensive output was not enough to overcome the deficit. Senior
Kaitlyn VanderPloeg showed glimpses of scoring that we are used to seeing in the fourth, but the Vikings were able to hold her well under her average. Brewster finished with a season-high 18 points to lead all Rams. When the final buzzer sounded, Bethany had secured the 65-53 victory.
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Looking Ahead:
On Wednesday, January 29th, the Rams make their way to New Ulm for a competition against the Martin Luther College (MLC) Knights. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:15 PM.
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