Minneapolis, MN -- Tuesday marked the first game at home for the North Central University (NCU) men's basketball team in over three weeks as the Rams returned to Clark-Danielson Gymnasium looking to turn a recent non-conference drought into a win in front of their home crowd. The Rams played host to the Buena Vista University (BVU) Beavers, with the lone recent meeting between the programs decided by just six points during the 2022-23 season, another tightly contested battle unfolded tonight. North Central showed resilience and balance throughout the night, forcing overtime behind a strong all-around effort led by senior guard Carmello McNeal, before ultimately falling 92-87 in the extra period. Pregame, the team recognized senior guard Carrington McNeal for surpassing 1,000 career points back on December 3rd against UW-River Falls.

North Central came out with energy on both ends, immediately establishing tempo through defensive pressure and transition offense. Senior guard Carrington McNeal opened the scoring with an early fast-break layup, setting the tone for an aggressive start. The Rams consistently attacked inside, generating points in the paint and converting off turnovers as junior guard Jayden Livingston and senior guard Jaquan Adams sparked momentum with steals and quick finishes. Carmello McNeal found his rhythm midway through the half, knocking down multiple three-pointers while mixing in finishes at the rim. Senior forward Elijah Smith anchored the interior, controlling the glass and providing rim protection as North Central stayed efficient offensively. The Rams shot 50.0% from the field and connected on six three-pointers in the opening half, while forcing 14 turnovers that translated into fast-break opportunities. Despite multiple lead changes, North Central closed the half strong with a late three from Carmello to even the score at the break.

The Rams carried that momentum into the second half, quickly reclaiming the lead with back-to-back transition buckets, including a highlight dunk from Elijah Smith following a steal. Adams continued to make an impact on both ends, finishing through contact and adding a key three-pointer as North Central stretched its advantage. As the game tightened late, Carrington McNeal provided steady leadership, scoring inside and converting at the free-throw line to keep the Rams in front. Junior forward Jax Effertz delivered timely perimeter shooting, knocking down a pair of three-pointers that helped North Central respond to momentum swings. Defensively, the Rams stayed active, finishing the game with 16 steals and 5 blocks, while producing 24 fast-break points and 44 points in the paint. Carrington hit clutch free throws in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime after 40 minutes of play.

In overtime, the Rams continued to battle, generating quality looks and finishing inside. Carrington McNeal and Jaquan Adams combined for late buckets as North Central stayed within reach, but the Rams ultimately came up just short in overtime, losing 92-87.

Top Performers: 

• Carmello McNeal:  28 points, 2 blocks, and 5-5 3PM
• Carrington McNeal: 20 points and 3 steals
• Elijah Smith: 10 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks

Looking Ahead:

Up next, North Central heads across town to take on the University of Saint Thomas on Sunday, December 28th. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM at the Lee and Penny Anderson 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.