FOND DU LAC, WISCONSIN – The women's basketball team continued its strong start to the 2026-27 season with a 72-64 victory over Marian University on Saturday afternoon. Playing inside Sadoff Gymnasium, the Rams jumped out to an early lead and maintained control throughout the contest, using balanced scoring and a strong defensive effort to earn the road win.
Kaye Serapio led North Central with 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Rhea Tucker added 16 points and eight rebounds. NiNi Davenport contributed 15 points, including three three-pointers, as the Rams had three players finish in double figures.
First Quarter
North Central wasted little time establishing momentum, opening the contest with a 9-0 run. Olivia Beach got the Rams started with a three-pointer on the opening possession before Tucker added consecutive baskets to extend the lead. Alana Drayton followed with a pair of free throws as NCU established control early.
The Rams continued to find offensive opportunities throughout the quarter, with Tucker scoring seven points and Beach adding five. North Central's defensive intensity limited Marian to just 11 points in the opening period, allowing the Rams to build a double-digit advantage.
End of First Quarter: North Central 22, Marian 11
Second Quarter
The Rams continued to battle in the second quarter as Marian looked to cut into the early deficit. Serapio helped keep North Central's offense moving, contributing six points during the period.
Davenport provided a spark from beyond the arc, connecting on two three-pointers to help maintain the Rams' advantage. Despite Marian narrowly outscoring NCU in the quarter, North Central maintained a comfortable lead heading into the locker room.
Halftime: North Central 36, Marian 26
Third Quarter
North Central returned from halftime looking to build on its first-half performance. Serapio continued her strong afternoon, adding four points and three rebounds while helping the Rams maintain their offensive rhythm.
Jade Monroe provided valuable production off the bench, converting both of her field goal attempts for four points in the period. Beach, Tucker, and Drayton also contributed baskets as the Rams matched Marian's 16 points in the quarter, preserving their double-digit lead heading into the final 10 minutes.
End of Third Quarter: North Central 52, Marian 42
Fourth Quarter
The Rams delivered their most efficient offensive quarter of the afternoon when it mattered most, shooting an impressive 63.6% from the field.
Tucker led the fourth-quarter effort with seven points, connecting on all three of her field goal attempts. Davenport added seven points of her own, including a three-pointer, while Serapio knocked down a timely shot from beyond the arc.
North Central extended its advantage to as many as 17 points during the fourth quarter before Marian made a late push. The Rams remained composed down the stretch, holding off the comeback attempt to secure their eight-point road victory.
Final Score: North Central 72, Marian 64
Top Performers
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Kaye Serapio: 17 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
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Rhea Tucker: 16 points, eight rebounds, and two steals.
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NiNi Davenport: 15 points, three three-pointers, three assists, and three steals.
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Olivia Beach: Nine points, four rebounds, and two blocks.
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Jade Monroe: Seven points and six rebounds off the bench.
North Central finished the afternoon shooting 43.5% from the field and 35.3% from beyond the arc. The Rams held a 46-37 rebounding advantage while outscoring Marian 30-18 in the paint and 14-7 in fast-break points.
UP NEXT
The Rams will have their home opener this Wednesday, November 18th. NCU will play at 7:00 PM against Carleton College, inside Clark-Danielson Gymsasium.
