MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – The North Central University men's basketball team faced a challenging non-conference matchup on Saturday afternoon, welcoming No. 8 nationally ranked UW-Stevens Point to Clark-Danielson Gymnasium. The Rams battled throughout the opening half, keeping the game competitive against one of the top teams in NCAA Division III before falling 91-54.
Jax Effertz led North Central with 15 points, shooting 6-for-9 from the field and connecting on three three-pointers. David Diamond added nine points on a perfect 3-for-3 performance from beyond the arc, while Lamont Michaels contributed eight points. The Rams shot an impressive 61.5% from three-point range in the opening half.
First Half
North Central came out ready to compete, with Connor Yslas opening the scoring before Effertz connected on two early three-pointers to give the Rams a 10-9 advantage.
Despite falling behind midway through the half, the Rams continued to respond offensively. Diamond provided a spark off the bench, knocking down three first-half triples, while Dewayne Givens and Jacob Becher also connected from beyond the arc.
The Rams trimmed the deficit to four points on multiple occasions, including a Becher three-pointer that made it 35-31 with just over five minutes remaining. Although the Pointers extended their advantage late, North Central closed the half with three-pointers from Effertz and Diamond to remain within striking distance.
Halftime: UW-Stevens Point 48, North Central 37
Second Half
North Central continued to compete after the break, but the nationally ranked Pointers began to pull away with an efficient offensive performance.
Effertz added an early second-half basket, while Michaels contributed five points, including a three-pointer. Givens also connected from beyond the arc as the Rams worked to find their offensive rhythm.
UW-Stevens Point's size and defensive pressure proved difficult to overcome, holding North Central to 17 second-half points. Despite the tough result, the Rams gained valuable experience against one of the nation's top-ranked programs.
Final: UW-Stevens Point 91, North Central 54
Top Performers
UP NEXT
North Central moves to 1-2 on the season and will look to bounce back as it continues its non-conference schedule. The Rams will take the experience gained against nationally ranked competition into their upcoming matchups.
