Minneapolis, MN -- Wednesday night, the North Central University (NCU) men's basketball team returned to Clark-Danielson Gymnasium for a non-conference matchup versus the Hamline University (HU) Pipers that turned into an instant classic. After building a commanding first-half lead and battling through two overtimes, the Rams ultimately fell in a narrow 102-99 double overtime finish, despite several standout performances across the roster. Senior guards, Carmello McNeal and Carrington McNeal, combined for a commanding 57 points in the home loss. 

From the opening minutes, the Rams dictated the tempo by sprinting into offensive actions, creating early gaps in the Pipers' defense, and forcing difficult shots on the other end. NCU found success by hunting mismatches, drawing defenders into the lane, and spraying the ball out for rhythm jumpers. Senior guards Carmello McNeal, Carrington McNeal each delivered efficient early stretches, attacking off the dribble, hitting perimeter shots, and providing a calming presence when the game briefly tightened. Fellow senior guard Remy Wedgeworth-Brown added scoring stability with spot-up shooting and timely drives that helped sustain NCU's offensive momentum. Inside, the Rams controlled the boards, with senior forward Elijah Smith anchoring the paint defensively and securing essential rebounds. The bench also contributed meaningful minutes, allowing NCU to maintain pace while keeping fresh legs on the floor. Those extended rotations helped fuel a 15-point surge in the middle portion of the half. The Rams' combination of tempo and hot-shooting sent North Central into the half with a confident 47-32 lead.

The second half delivered a completely different rhythm, one defined by runs, adjustments, and timely responses from both sides. North Central opened the half confidently, executing controlled offensive sets and continuing to attack the paint. But as the game evolved, Hamline increased defensive pressure, forcing the Rams into more contested shots and challenging NCU's pace. Remy Wedgeworth-Brown provided crucial scoring during this stretch, mixing in mid-range pull-ups, spot-up threes, and aggressive drives that helped halt the opponent's early second-half push. His ability to draw contact also stabilized NCU when the game began to speed up. Elijah Smith continued to be a defensive anchor, rotating well on drives, challenging shots near the rim, and controlling contested rebounds. His presence prevented several easy baskets and reignited NCU's transition attack. Junior guard Jamisen Young  played one of his most impactful stretches of the season during the second half. His pace off the dribble forced rotations, and his playmaking created high-value opportunities. As the game entered its final eight minutes, the contest transformed into a possession-by-possession battle. The McNeal twins took command offensively, delivering tough finishes at the rim, pull-up jumpers, and late-clock decisions that kept NCU neck-and-neck. With under a minute to play and the score tight, a series of defensive stands and strong rebounding allowed NCU to force overtime with the game tied at 76-76.

The first overtime featured poised execution from North Central. Carmello Mcneal opened the period with a deep three to take the lead. NCU continued to generate strong looks off ball reversals and interior touches. Carrington McNeal navigated defensive pressure effectively, creating both scoring chances and foul opportunities. Wedgeworth-Brown delivered key free throws, and Young once again stepped up in the closing seconds, knocking down two high-pressure shots at the line to tie the game and force a second overtime.

To start the second overtime, Carrington McNeal drilled a smooth pull-up jumper to open the period, and Carmello McNeal powered the final surge, burying a deep three and scoring in transition to pull NCU within striking distance. The Rams also received important minutes from senior guard Jaquan Adams and junior guard Jayden Livingston. Despite multiple late stops and quick answers on offense, NCU ran out of clock before a final tying attempt could be executed, falling 102-99 in a 2-OT thriller. 

Top Performers: 

Carmello McNeal: 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals
Carrington McNeal: 27 points and 5 rebounds
Jamisen Young: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals
Remy Wedgeworth-Brown: 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists

Looking Ahead:

Up next, North Central hits the road on Saturday against Saint Mary's University in Winona, MN. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM at David R. Thies Arena.

All fans are encouraged to tune into the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) pages for updates on men's basketball and all things NCU Athletics.