Minneapolis, MN -- The North Central University (NCU) women's basketball team bounced back in a big way on Saturday afternoon, securing a 69-58 UMAC victory at Clark-Danielson Gymnasium over the Crown College (CC) Polars. After falling behind early, the Rams settled in defensively and used a dominant second-half surge to earn the home win and improve their conference standing.
The Rams worked to find their rhythm early as the opening quarter featured several lead changes. Senior guard
Brycelyn Brewster helped establish an early inside presence with a pair of strong finishes, while senior forward
Moriah McLendon added a transition layup to keep NCU within striking distance. Despite generating quality looks, North Central shot just 5-of-21 from the field in the opening frame and trailed 26-12 after ten minutes.
North Central began to chip away at the deficit in the second quarter by attacking the paint and capitalizing at the free-throw line. Junior guard
NiNi Davenport and senior guard
Lydia Schroeder helped apply defensive pressure on the perimeter, while graduate guard
Kaye Serapio sparked the offense with aggressive drives and trips to the stripe. The Rams went 11-for-14 from the free-throw line in the quarter and held Crown to just nine points, cutting the margin significantly heading into halftime down 35-27.
The game flipped entirely in the third quarter as North Central delivered its best stretch of basketball. The Rams outscored the Polars 25-13 behind improved ball movement, rebounding, and defensive intensity. Brewster continued to draw contact and convert at the line, while Serapio and sophomore forward
Olivia Beach controlled the interior, combining for key second-chance points. Davenport knocked down a timely three and added defensive pressure, as NCU surged ahead 52-48 by attacking the glass and forcing turnovers.
North Central closed the game with composure in the final ten minutes, leaning on depth and physical play. Beach provided a huge spark off the bench, finishing through contact and cleaning up the boards, while McLendon sealed the win late with clutch free throws and a mid-range jumper. The Rams held Crown to just 10 points in the fourth quarter and controlled the rebounding battle down the stretch to secure the 69-58 victory.
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Looking Ahead:
Up next, NCU stays at home to take on Minnesota Morris on Wednesday, February 11. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM inside Clark-Danielson Gymnasium in Minneapolis, MN.
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