Minneapolis, MN -- Saturday, North Central University (NCU) Women's Basketball returned to Clark-Danielson Gymnasium for another UMAC matchup against the University of Northwestern (UNW) Eagles. Entering the afternoon, the Rams were looking to flip the script in a series that had tilted away from them in recent seasons. Behind a historic shooting performance and a poised fourth-quarter push, North Central delivered a statement 70–62 conference victory on its home floor. Junior guard
NiNi Davenport delivered a game for the ages, posting a career-high 34 points with 11 total made threes on 68.8% shooting from deep (11-of-16). This ties the program record with 11 made three-pointers, and she is now tied for second in program history for most points in a single game.
North Central set the tone early with defensive intensity and confident perimeter shooting. Sharpshooter
NiNi Davenport wasted no time, drilling multiple early three-pointers to spark the Rams and open a quick advantage. NCU limited the Eagles to just 6 points in the opening 10 minutes while forcing tough shots and controlling the glass. The Rams closed the quarter with a strong run to take a 12-6 lead.
The Rams found their offensive rhythm in the second, leaning heavily on ball movement and perimeter efficiency. Davenport continued her torrid shooting stretch, knocking down several more triples as North Central shot over 50% from the floor in the quarter. Senior guard
Lydia Schroeder added timely threes of her own, while senior forward
Moriah McLendon attacked the paint to keep pressure on the defense. NCU outscored UNW 26-24 in the frame and carried a 38-30 advantage into halftime.
The third quarter turned into a tightly contested stretch as momentum swung back and forth. North Central continued to generate quality looks, but shots were slower to fall. Defensively, the Rams battled through physical possessions, with graduate guard
Kaye Serapio anchoring the effort on the boards and facilitating the offense. Despite being outscored 21-12 in the quarter, NCU stayed composed and entered the final period still within striking distance at 50-51.
North Central saved its best for last. Davenport caught fire once again from deep, hitting clutch three-pointers at key moments to swing the game back in the Rams' favor. Her shooting opened space for McLendon and freshman forward
Keiley Mahseet, who finished strong around the rim. Down the stretch, Schroeder calmly knocked down free throws, while the Rams' defense forced turnovers and limited second-chance opportunities. NCU closed the game on a decisive run to win 70-62 and secure its first conference victory of the year.
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Looking Ahead:
Up next, NCU heads north to take on the University of Minnesota-Morris on Wednesday, January 14th. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM inside the James Gremmels Court in Morris, MN.
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