Lady Pirate's basketball, down 3 spots to 13th in the latest NJCAA DII rankings, triumphed over Southwestern Community College on Wednesday night by a score of 76-55. The victory was fueled by a well-rounded offensive effort and tenacious defense. NCMC will look to continue the momentum of their 3-game winning streak to the Marshalltown Classic this weekend.
Gladys Brown led the charge for North Central, making her presence known early and often. She scored 13 points on an efficient 6-of-11 shooting, displaying her versatility both inside and outside the arc. Brown was also active on the boards, pulling down eight rebounds, and proved to be an effective playmaker, dishing out five assists while grabbing two steals.
Oliviya Tinoco added a strong offensive boost, scoring 17 points. Tinoco was a deep threat, connecting on 4-of-12 three-pointers, and contributed six rebounds along with four steals, showcasing her defensive tenacity. Jessica Reeter also contributed from long range, knocking down three three-pointers as part of her 13-point performance. Reeter distributed the ball well with three assists and added two steals, helping to keep up the team's defensive pressure.
The visiting Spartans fought hard, with Brooklyn Hadl as their standout player. Hadl scored a game-high 23 points, hitting 6 of her 9 field-goal attempts and sinking 9 of 10 free throws. Gabby Dwanyen provided solid support, recording a double-digit scoring effort with 13 points and collecting a game-high eight rebounds.
Despite strong individual performances from Hadl and Dwanyen, Southwestern struggled to match North Central's depth and shooting. NCMC's defense forced 28 turnovers, and their 15 assists underscored the team's balanced attack. In the end, the Lady Pirate's high-pressure defense and consistent scoring across the roster secured their comfortable 21-point victory.