UMAC Game of the Week: North Central vs. Northwestern - Men's Basketball
The UMAC Game of the Week runs each Thursday during the conference regular season and breaks down one key matchup from one sport.
***UPDATE***
Northwestern wins 86-61
The Matchup
Saturday, Jan. 20 - North Central University at the University of Northwestern, men's basketball, 3 p.m. in St. Paul, Minnesota
What's at Stake
- Postseason hopes - After one round of conference games, North Central is among a mix of three teams in a current tie for fifth place and will look to make the postseason tournament after missing out last season. A win could give the Rams a leg up on the other 3-5 teams.
- Defending a title - Heading into the season, after losing five starters to graduation, a repeat conference title looked impossible for Northwestern. However, the Eagles are tied for second at 6-2 and are just one game out of first place.
- Extending the streak - Northwestern is riding a five-game conference winning streak and looks to remain the hottest team in the UMAC, while North Central has lost four of its last five and needs to get back on the winning track as the season quickly wraps up.
Previously in Action
- North Central fell 77-60 to UMAC-leading Bethany Lutheran College Wednesday
- Northwestern upset one-loss University of Minnesota Morris Wednesday by a score of 80-70.
Need to Know
- Road rematch - In the second game of the season, Northwestern defeated North Central by 12 points on the road. The score is no indicator, though, of the entire contest as the Rams held the lead several times and were down just one with seven minutes left. The Rams have an opportunity to upset the Eagles on their home court this time.
- Defense - While both teams average just over 72 points a game and rank in the middle of the league, Northwestern is second in fewest points allowed (69.4) to UMAC opponents. North Central is last (85.5 ppg) and will need to find a way to ignite their offense and simultaneously hold back the Eagles.
- Ball control - The Rams will need to limit their turnovers in order to win. The Eagles average just 8.6 per game to lead the UMAC, while the Rams are eighth with 13.1 turnovers per game. Controlling the ball on every posseion will be critical to success for both teams.
Players to Watch - North Central
- Jared High, Jr., W - UMAC Stats: Leads UMAC 3pt.% (47.7) 17.5 ppg, 52.5 FG%, 5.0 rpg,
- CJ Lewis, Sr., W - UMAC Stats: 15.9 ppg, 86.5 FT%, 7.3 rpg, 1.5 stl/g
- Joel Cline, Sr., P - UMAC Stats: Leads UMAC in rebounding (9.4); 12.9 ppg, 3.3 ast/g
Players to Watch - Northwestern
- Caleb Hageman, Jr., G - UMAC Stats: 15.0 ppg, 53.0 FG% , 2.5 ast/g
- Tanner Youngberg, So., G - UMAC Stats: 11.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.8 ast/g
- Isaiah Rahier, Sr., G - UMAC Stats: 10.5 ppg, 3.6 ast/g,1.8 stl/g
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2017-18 Game of the Week Archives