Superior, WI -- Saturday, the North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team traveled north to compete in the 2025-26 UMAC Championship game against the No. 3-seeded University of Wisconsin-Superior 9UWS) Yellowjackets. Heading into enemy territory, the Rams knew they would have a battle on their hands as the Yellowjackets had been victorious in both of the previous season's meetings. Tonight, North Central battled for all 40 minutes but ultimately fell 78-51, finishing the year 14-14 overall and 6-6 in UMAC play.
.
The Rams looked to establish momentum early as senior guard Brycelyn Brewster opened the scoring with a layup off a feed from senior guard Lydia Schroeder to tie the game early. Junior guard NiNi Davenport then knocked down a three-pointer to keep North Central within a possession at 6-5 midway through the frame. Despite forcing early turnovers, including steals from senior forward Moriah McLendon and Davenport, the Rams struggled to convert consistently on the offensive end, shooting just 3-of-13 (23.1%) in the quarter. Davenport connected on two triples in the opening period, but the home squad used second-chance opportunities to build separation. North Central trailed 21-9 at the end of the first quarter. 

NCU found its rhythm in the second. McLendon began to assert herself in the paint, scoring on back-to-back jumpers and earning trips to the free-throw line. The senior forward finished the half aggressively attacking the rim and getting to the stripe. Graduate guard Kaye Serapio provided a spark off the bench, knocking down a mid-range jumper and converting an and-one opportunity to trim the deficit. Davenport added another three-pointer late in the quarter, while Brewster went 2-for-2 at the free throw line to cap a strong stretch. The Rams increased their shooting efficiency 45.5% (5-of-11) in the period and went 8-of-11 (72.7%) from the free throw line, matching the Yellowjackets' scoring (19-19) in the quarter. North Central went into halftime trailing 40-28.

Coming out of the break, McLendon continued to lead the charge with a quick bucket inside to open the half. However, the Rams were unable to sustain consistent offensive production, shooting 4-of-16 (25.0%) in the third. Senior guard Jackie Lindsay buried a three-pointer midway through the quarter, and McLendon added multiple finishes in the paint to keep the Rams competing. North Central continued to battle defensively, with Lindsay pulling down key rebounds and Schroeder recording a block earlier in the contest. Despite the effort, the home side capitalized on second-chance points and extended possessions. North Central trailed 65-37 at the end of the third quarter. 

The Rams showed resilience in the final frame. Brewster converted a pair of strong finishes at the rim, while Lindsay knocked down another three-pointer to spark the offense. Schroeder capped the night with back-to-back triples in the final two minutes, including one assisted by Davenport. North Central shot 42.9% (3-of-7) from three in the fourth quarter and continued to fight on the glass, with Lindsay finishing with a team-high seven rebounds. Though the deficit proved too large to overcome, the Rams never backed down in the closing minutes. The final score stood at 78-51. 

Top Performers:

• Moriah McLendon: 15 points
• NiNi Davenport: 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals.
• Brycelyn Brewster: 8 points and 8 assists
• Jackie Lindsay: 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists

Looking Ahead: 

The Rams now shift their focus to the NCCAA postseason, as they prepare for a Region Semifinal matchup against #3 Trinity Bible College on Tuesday, March 3rd. Tip-off is set for 5:00 PM at Ray Ulmer Field House in Ellendale, ND.

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.