Northfield, MN -- The North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team continued its non-conference stretch with a road game versus the St.Olaf College (STO) Oles. Riding a three-game winning streak into Skoglund Athletic Center, the Rams delivered one of their most complete offensive performances of the season, erupting for a dominant third quarter and battling down to the final possession in a tightly contested 72-69 decision. Current Ram of the Week honoree, Brycelyn Brewster, continued her strong play with 22 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds.

North Central came out aggressive on both ends, looking to set the tone early. Senior forward Moriah McLendon opened the scoring with a jumper in the paint, while senior guard Lydia Schroeder knocked down an early three to keep the Rams within striking distance. The Rams generated transition opportunities and attacked the paint, but the home side capitalized on a few late possessions to build a narrow edge. NCU closed the quarter strong with buckets from freshman forward Keiley Mahseet and junior guard NiNi Davenport in transition, trailing 21-17 after one. 

NCU's depth made an impact early in the second, as Mahseet provided a presence inside and senior guard Jackie Lindsay helped control the glass. The Rams used ball movement to find open looks, highlighted by a Davenport three assisted by senior guard Brycelyn Brewster. North Central continued to push the pace, tying the game midway through the quarter behind efficient finishing at the rim. Despite some back-and-forth momentum, the Rams stayed composed and cut the deficit to just three at 35-32 heading into halftime after another late basket inside.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point, as North Central delivered its best stretch of basketball. The Rams shot a scorching 66.7% from the field and 80.0% from beyond the arc in the period. Brewster sparked the run with consecutive finishes in transition before Schroeder connected on back-to-back threes. McLendon and sophomore forward Olivia Beach controlled the paint, combining for key interior buckets and rebounds. A late three from Beach capped an 11-point surge that gave NCU its largest lead of the game (+11). A layup from the Oles in the final seconds cut the Rams' lead back to single digits at 58-49.

North Central continued to battle in the final frame as the game tightened. Mahseet provided energy off the bench with multiple offensive rebounds and a crucial finish inside, while Davenport and McLendon each hit timely three-pointers in the final two minutes to keep the Rams within one possession. NCU forced turnovers late and created chances down the stretch, but despite the late push, the Rams were unable to convert on the final attempt as time expired. St. Olaf squeezed out the 72-69 over NCU. 

Top Performers:

• Brycelyn Brewster: 22 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds
• NiNi Davenport: 11 points with 3 three-pointers
• Keiley Mahseet: 8 points and 7 rebounds

Looking Ahead:

Up next, NCU returns home to take on Marian University on Wednesday, December 31st. Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM inside the Clark-Danielson Gymnasium.

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.