Minneapolis, MN -- This evening, the women from the North Central University (NCU) hosted the Martin Luther College (MLC) Knights for their final regular season home UMAC game. In the previous meeting between the two teams, the Rams fell to the Knights, finalizing the score at 69-50. Tonight, the Rams would be defeated once again with a final score of 63-59. Despite a dominant performance from Kaitlyn VanderPloeg, who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 20 rebounds, the Rams were unable to complete the comeback in the final minutes. Her career-high 20 total rebounds are tied for second most in a single game in program history. 

The Rams came out strong, setting the tone with efficient offense and aggressive defense. Brycelyn Brewster sparked the early momentum, distributing key assists, scoring on a fastbreak layup, and drilling a three-pointer to keep NCU ahead. McKenzie Latzke added to the offensive surge, hitting two three-pointers, while VanderPloeg dominated the glass with multiple rebounds. The Rams shot an impressive 63.6% from the field in the first quarter, capitalizing on Martin Luther's slow start. By the end of the opening period, NCU had built a 20-13 lead.

Momentum quickly shifted in the second quarter as the Rams struggled offensively. Martin Luther tightened their defense, forcing 9 turnovers and limiting North Central's scoring opportunities. The Rams managed just one field goal, a layup from Brewster at the eight-minute mark, and were held to 7.7% (1-13) shooting for the quarter. Meanwhile, Martin Luther took full advantage, going on a 22-2 run, fueled by strong three-point shooting and fastbreak conversions. By halftime, NCU found themselves trailing 35-22.

Determined to claw their way back, the Rams stormed out of the break with renewed intensity. Jackie Lindsay contributed both offensively and defensively, while Brycelyn Brewster continued to control the tempo. VanderPloeg was dominant in the paint, collecting 8 offensive rebounds to create second-chance opportunities. NCU put together a 10-0 run, cutting the deficit to single digits. McKenzie Latzke and Lydia Schroeder also made key contributions, helping the Rams put up 21 points in the quarter—their highest-scoring period of the game. Heading into the final quarter, the Rams had narrowed the gap to just 48-43.

The Rams continued their comeback push in the fourth quarter, fueled by clutch baskets from Brewster and Latzke. Early in the period, Latzke drilled a three-pointer to bring NCU within two, and a pair of free throws from VanderPloeg tied the game at 50-50 with just over seven minutes remaining. However, Martin Luther responded with timely baskets, regaining a narrow lead. With under a minute to play, Brewster and VanderPloeg each scored to keep NCU within striking distance, but Martin Luther held their composure at the free-throw line. A final layup from Brewster with one second left wasn't enough, as the Rams fell just short, 63-59.

Top Performers:

• Brycelyn Brewster: 16 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds
• Kaitlyn VanderPloeg: 14 points, 20 rebounds, 3 blocks
• McKenzie Latzke: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals

Looking Ahead:

The Rams will play their final game of the regular season against the Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) Vikings in Mankato. The game is scheduled for Saturday, February 22nd at 4:45 PM.

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.