Minneapolis, MN -- Entering the championship round of the NCCAA National Tournament, the No. 5 seed North Central University (NCU) men's basketball team played its final game of the season with a matchup against the No. 6 seed Crown College (CC) Polars. Nearing a chance at back-to-back National Titles, the Rams looked to finish what had been a dominant postseason run. Behind a balanced offensive attack and a strong defensive performance, North Central controlled the game from start to finish and captured back-to-back NCCAA National Championships with a 76-51 victory inside Clark-Danielson Gymnasium. Senior
Carmello McNeal was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player and All-Tournament Team. Senior
Carrington McNeal was also awarded All-Tournament Team.
North Central wasted little time establishing its presence in the championship matchup. Senior guard
Carrington McNeal opened the scoring with a driving layup off a feed from senior guard
Carmello McNeal, giving the Rams an early advantage. After a brief exchange of baskets, North Central quickly found its rhythm offensively, attacking the paint and forcing defensive miscues. Junior forward
Jax Effertz added an early interior finish before senior forward
Elijah Smith knocked down consecutive shots inside to stretch the Rams' lead. Senior guard
Remy Wedgeworth-Brown followed with a mid-range jumper to keep the momentum rolling. Midway through the half, North Central's defense began creating opportunities in transition.
Carrington McNeal recorded a steal that led to a fast-break score, while senior guard
Jaquan Adams added a pair of free throws and a layup during a key scoring run.
Carmello McNeal then sparked the offense with a three-pointer and later converted multiple trips to the free-throw line to continue widening the margin. As the half progressed, the Rams continued to dominate the glass and control the pace.
Jayden Livingston contributed off the bench with a layup and multiple assists, while
Carmello McNeal capped a strong stretch with another three-pointer and free throws in the final minute. Adams added two late free throws to close the half. North Central entered the break firmly in control, leading 40-25 after shooting efficiently and holding Crown to limited offensive production.
The Rams opened the second half with the same intensity that carried them through the first.
Carmello McNeal immediately drilled a three-pointer to push the lead further before
Carrington McNeal converted a fast-break layup following a steal. North Central continued attacking from multiple angles. Effertz added a jumper inside, while
Carmello McNeal remained aggressive offensively with a mid-range score and two free throws. Wedgeworth-Brown contributed with a smooth pull-up jumper as the Rams pushed the lead past twenty points early in the half. The Rams' defensive pressure forced turnovers that quickly turned into offense.
Elijah Smith finished a layup off a Livingston assist, and Adams added another interior basket before Wedgeworth-Brown knocked down a three-pointer to extend the advantage. North Central's balanced scoring continued down the stretch.
Carrington McNeal scored in transition once again, Adams converted another fast-break layup, and the Rams' defense kept the opposition from mounting any sustained run. In the final minutes, the Rams continued to control possession and finish strong around the rim.
Carrington McNeal added the final field goal for North Central before the closing moments ticked away, securing the championship victory. North Central closed out the national title game with a commanding 76-51 win.
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Looking Ahead:
With the victory, North Central closes out the 2025-26 season by capturing its second-ever NCCAA National Championship, finishing the year with a dominant postseason run and securing back-to-back national titles to cap another historic season for the Rams.
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