Minneapolis, MN -- The North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team returned to Clark-Danielson Gymnasium on Tuesday night for their 2025-26 home opener, hosting Concordia University Chicago (CUC) for the first-ever meeting between the programs. The Rams entered the night seeking to build early-season momentum, and after a tightly contested battle from start to finish, NCU delivered a resilient 60-54 victory in front of a strong home crowd. Senior forward Moriah McLendon delivered her best performance of the young season with an 18-point and 11-rebound double-double. 

NCU opened the night emphasizing interior scoring and early defensive pressure, but struggled to convert several clean looks around the rim. Moriah McLendon generated the Rams' first major spark with multiple strong defensive rebounds and a late-quarter finish inside. Freshman forward Keiley Mahseet added effective early minutes, scoring twice in the paint and crashing the offensive glass. Senior guard Brycelyn Brewster contributed a pair of free throws and a transition finish to help the Rams stay within range, but NCU trailed 17-12 after one.

The Rams' defense tightened considerably in the second quarter, holding the visitors to just nine points on 18% shooting. McLendon knocked down back-to-back jumpers to spark the offense, and Brewster's playmaking led to another pair of inside finishes from Mahseet. North Central steadily chipped away, and with under a minute left, junior guard NiNi Davenport buried a transition three-pointer to give NCU its first lead at 25-24. A late basket from the visitors sent the Rams into halftime trailing 26-25.

North Central delivered its sharpest offensive stretch of the night coming out of halftime, shooting 58% from the field and 40% from deep. Davenport opened with an assertive drive, and McLendon continued to attack the rim with confidence. Brewster followed with a pair of strong finishes, helping NCU regain the lead. Davenport stayed hot from deep, connecting on two threes in the frame, while McLendon added another inside bucket late to help NCU carry a 41-40 advantage into the fourth.

With the game tight entering the final period, the Rams' senior core took complete control. McLendon powered in a tough layup before Davenport hit a mid-range jumper to sustain a narrow lead. Brewster added crucial free throws and steady ball handling as North Central remained composed in late-game situations. Senior guard Jackie Lindsay controlled the glass in key moments, and with 13 seconds left, McLendon delivered the dagger off the assist from Brewster to push the lead to five. Lindsay sealed the win at the free-throw line as NCU closed out a 19-point fourth quarter to secure the home-opening victory.

Top Performers:

Moriah McLendon: 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals
NiNi Davenport: 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 three-pointers
Brycelyn Brewster: 13 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals

Looking Ahead:

Up next, NCU will stay at home for a matchup against Free Lutheran Bible College on Thursday, November 20. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM inside Clark-Danielson Gymnasium in Minneapolis, MN. 

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