Stevens Point, WI -- Saturday, the North Central University (NCU) men's basketball team hit the road once again for a non-conference showdown with the (RV) University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP) Pointers. After a heavy early-season schedule, the Rams entered the matchup seeking to build momentum in one of the region's most challenging environments. North Central and UW–Stevens Point had played two tight contests in the past two seasons, and the Rams again showed stretches of high-level execution behind the strong play of senior guards Carrington McNeal and Carmello McNeal, who combined for 32 points. Despite a competitive start and multiple second-half pushes, the Rams fell 78–65.

North Central opened the afternoon with composure and energy, scoring the first momentum swing of the game behind hot shooting from junior forward Jax Effertz. The junior knocked down two early three-pointers, both assisted by senior guard Carmello McNeal, as the Rams jumped out to an 8-4 lead. Senior guard Carrington McNeal set a defensive tone in the opening minutes with two steals that immediately turned into points, including a fast-break assist and another bucket in transition, helping NCU push the margin to 10-4. As UWSP countered with interior scoring, the Rams maintained their edge with contributions from the bench. Junior guard Jamisen Young provided a steady lift, hitting a midrange jumper and sinking two free throws to keep NCU in front 14-8. Senior forward Elijah Smith added an offensive putback to extend the lead to its largest point at 12-4 early in the half. Stevens Point rallied midway through the half, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities to narrow the margin. Still, North Central continued trading blows, highlighted by a Carrington McNeal three-pointer at the 7:46 mark, his first of the afternoon, which pushed NCU back ahead 23-18. Senior guard Jaquan Adams later delivered a key late-half sequence with a defensive rebound, an inside finish, and a converted free throw to bring the Rams back within one possession at 30-33. Effertz then beat the horn with a jumper to close the gap to 35-32 at halftime. 

The Rams came out of the locker room looking to build on their efficient first-half shooting, but early miscues allowed the hosts to generate a quick run. Despite the early surge from Stevens Point, NCU steadied itself when Effertz converted a layup at 17:58 to make it a 42-34 game. Junior guard Jamisen Young added another strong midrange finish moments later to keep the Rams within striking distance at 44-36. Carrington McNeal then ignited a stretch of momentum for NCU. After blocking a layup on the defensive end, he raced the floor for a transition score to cut the deficit to single digits. Minutes later, he added another jumper, part of his 16-point night on 7-of-12 shooting, to trim the margin to 50-40. His defensive presence continued throughout the second half, finishing with 5 steals and 8 rebounds. Carmello McNeal delivered consecutive baskets and a pair of free throws to pull North Central within four at 60-56 inside the final seven minutes. Carmello consistently attacked the lane, recording 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting and adding 6 steals, his most in a game this season. North Central's bench also sparked the late push, starting with junior guard Jayden Livingston, who buried a three-pointer at the 9:48 mark to bring NCU within nine. Senior forward Josh Hoffman added a crucial offensive rebound and knocked down a corner three at 1:24 remaining to trim the deficit to eight, 73-65. Despite the Rams' resilience, Stevens Point answered each run with timely baskets and free throws to pull away in the closing minute. The Rams would fall 78-65 to a talented Pointers team that has been receiving votes (RV) in the early national polls. 

Top Performers: 

Carrington McNeal: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals
Carmello McNeal: 16 points and 6 steals

Looking Ahead:

Up next, North Central continues its road stretch with an early-week exhibition matchup as they travel to face Southwest Minnesota State University on Monday, December 8th. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 AM inside the SMSU R/A Facility in Marshall, Minnesota.

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