Storm Lake, IA -- Saturday, the North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team returned to Siebens Fieldhouse for day two of the Central Bank Classic hosted by Buena Vista University. After defeating Faith Baptist 75-54 last night, the Rams were set to take on Benedictine University (BU) out of Lisle, Illinois. The matchup marked the first-ever meeting between the two programs, as North Central looked to close out the opening weekend on a high note. Despite a competitive effort through three quarters, NCU fell 78-52 in a physical non-conference matchup.
North Central got off to a determined start as freshman forward
Keiley Mahseet powered the Rams' early offense. After Benedictine opened on a 6-0 run, Mahseet and senior forward
Moriah McLendon sparked momentum with back-to-back layups in the paint. Later in the frame, senior guard
Brycelyn Brewster knocked down a midrange jumper to keep NCU within striking distance. The Rams found success attacking the basket, shooting over 40 percent from the floor while forcing several early turnovers. Mahseet scored 9 first-quarter points, helping the Rams close the period trailing just 19-15.
Junior guard
NiNi Davenport opened the second frame with a timely three-pointer to cut the deficit to one, as NCU's ball movement began to find rhythm. McLendon continued her strong play inside, connecting on another jumper midway through the quarter. However, the Eagles responded with an extended scoring run fueled by transition opportunities and frequent trips to the free-throw line. Despite the Rams' defensive effort and six first-half points from Brewster, Benedictine managed to edge ahead 36-26 heading into halftime.
North Central came out of the break with renewed energy as Mahseet, Brewster, and Schroeder combined to help the Rams trade baskets early in the half. Mahseet continued to control the glass, grabbing key offensive rebounds to keep possessions alive. Brewster's crafty drives in the lane resulted in multiple scoring chances, and sophomore forward
Macy Petersen provided an interior spark off the bench. The Rams shot 35 percent in the quarter but couldn't fully slow Benedictine's pace, ending the third down 54-39.
In the final frame, North Central kept battling behind a balanced offensive attack. Schroeder drilled a three-pointer midway through the period and later added a strong finish at the rim, while Mahseet and Brewster each continued to attack inside. The Rams held their own in the paint and posted 17 second-chance points overall, but the Eagles' hot shooting stretch in the closing minutes sealed the result. Despite the scoreline, NCU's hustle and bench energy remained evident until the final buzzer, as Benedictine took the 78-52 win.
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Looking Ahead:
Up next, women's basketball stays on the road for a matchup against Saint Mary's University (MN) on Monday, November 10th. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM from David R. Thies Arena in Winona, Minnesota.
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