Mankato, MN -- Wednesday night, the North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team kicked off the postseason in thrilling fashion, knocking off the top-seeded Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) Vikings 73-64 in Mankato. On the road against an undefeated Vikings squad in conference action, the Rams delivered one of its most complete performances of the year to flip the script after Saturday's loss and secure a statement semifinal victory heading into postseason play. An efficient 20 points from senior Brycelyn Brewster and career-high 18 points from graduate guard Kaye Serapio propelled the Rams to the 73-64 victory. 

North Central wasted no time setting the tone. Junior guard NiNi Davenport opened the scoring with a three-pointer off an assist from senior forward Moriah McLendon, sparking an early run. Senior guard Brycelyn Brewster attacked the paint aggressively, converting multiple driving layups, while Davenport knocked down a second triple midway through the frame to push the Rams ahead by double-digits. Sophomore forward Olivia Beach provided an offensive spark off the bench with a strong putback layup, and senior guard Kaye Serapio added a smooth mid-range jumper to keep momentum on NCU's side. Despite a late three from BLC, North Central controlled the quarter from start to finish, leading 18-13 after one.

The Rams continued their balanced attack in the second. Serapio stepped into a rhythm, scoring inside and knocking down key jumpers to stretch the lead. McLendon ignited the transition game with a fastbreak layup following a steal, and senior guard Lydia Schroeder buried a clutch three-pointer to extend the advantage to eight. Brewster remained relentless in the paint, finishing through contact and converting at the line. Davenport capped the half with a driving layup in the final seconds, sending North Central into the break with control and confidence. NCU shot an impressive 61.5% from the field in the quarter, showcasing efficiency and poise as they led 36-29 at halftime.

The third quarter proved to be the game's most competitive stretch. After building a six-point cushion early behind another Brewster finish inside, the Rams faced a surge that led to multiple lead changes and ties. McLendon answered with a steady mid-range jumper to briefly reclaim the lead, and senior guard Jackie Lindsay drilled a fastbreak three-pointer to spark the bench. Brewster followed with a jumper to tie the game late in the quarter, keeping North Central within striking distance despite the back-and-forth battle. Though Bethany Lutheran edged the quarter 20-13, NCU stayed composed and headed to the fourth tied at 49-all. 

Serapio opened the quarter with a strong and-one finish to tie the game at 52. After trading baskets early, Olivia Beach gave NCU a crucial lift with a paint finish to put the Rams ahead for good. From there, Brewster took over. The senior poured in back-to-back layups to extend the lead to six, then Davenport buried a dagger three-pointer with 1:33 remaining to push the advantage to seven. North Central iced the game at the free-throw line, where Serapio calmly knocked down five late attempts to secure the upset. NCU scored 24 points in the fourth quarter, shooting 50.0% from the field and converting 9-of-13 free throws in the period alone. North Central walked away with the 73-64 semifinal victory to advance to the championship game this Saturday. 

Top Performers: 

• Brycelyn Brewster: 20 points and 2 steals
• Kaye Serapio: 18 points and 6 rebounds
• Moriah McLendon: 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists
• NiNi Davenport: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals

Looking Ahead: 

Up next, North Central heads back on the road for postseason play as they face No. 3-seeded UW-Superior in the UMAC Championship this Saturday, February 28th. The matchup will take place in Superior, MN, at the Mertz Mortorelli Gymnasium, with tip-off set for 4:30 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.