Game Notes: Carroll University @ North Central College (12/8/15)

Final Score
NCC 109, Carroll 81

Game Summary
After a ten day layoff, the Cardinals (3-3) went unorthodox on offense, driving the lane and getting layups to take the early lead. The Pioneers (3-5) hung tough early and only trailed 21-15 after the first quarter. North Central went cold for much of the early second quarter and Carroll took advantage, eventually taking a 30-29 lead midway through the frame. The Cardinals didn't give up, continuing to attack the basket and retook control, but only led 42-39 going into the break. The Cardinals made adjustments in the second half though while also starting to hit their trees, building a 75-56 lead through three quarters and topping the century mark with under three minutes left in the game.

Key Stats

• NCC: 60 points in the paint. I was caught off guard by this strategy to start the game, but Coach Roof said afterward that Carroll was tightly guarding the perimeter and forcing the Cardinals to go inside. That seemed to suit North Central just fine; they looked quicker pretty much all game. They got a good post contribution while at the same time, they got great dribble penetration by the guards all game. It shows that this team isn't just a one trick pony.
• Therese Pettersson (NCC): 8-14 FG, 1-2 FT; 17 pts, 5 reb (3 off), 2 ast. I was worried coming into the season that we wouldn't have a go to person down low. T might have taken the torch left by Tess Godhardt officially last night, as she looked fantastic on the blocks. I'm excited for her future with this team.
• Malory Christenson (CRRLL): 12-22 FG, 6-8 FT; 30 pts, 14 reb (6 off), 4 ast, 1 blk. The forwards always seem to be the beneficiaries for opponents against this system, as Christenson took advantage of multiple layup opportunities and also hit some jumpers while having a great night on the glass.

North Central System Watch

• Carroll Turnovers: 30. Another day at the office, this total really picked up as the game went along and Carroll started to tire. The Cardinals picked up 18 steals on the night, paced by Paula Zerante's five. North Central also forced a ten second call as well as one backcourt violation.
• NCC 3PT: 11-38 (28.9%). The season average goes up a tad, though it took a while. The Cardinals hit just two of their 17 threes in the first half, some way off. They then got hot in the second half going 9-21, which was a big factor in their pulling away for the win.
• NCC Charges Drawn: 1. Anita Sterling picked up her third charge at home, though I'm not sure what happened out in Colorado. Either way I'm pretty sure she's in the lead on the team by a lot.

Final Thoughts
I need to get used to this matchup; this is the conclusion of a home-and-home series, but the Pioneers are joining the CCIW next season, so we'll be seeing them every year from here on out.

It's fun to watch for the expressions of opponents whenever they play the Cardinals. You could tell in the fourth quarter that Carroll was done. They looked absolutely gassed and maybe a tad frustrated, but they showed heart to the end. I have to tip my cap.

The Cardinals are on the road this weekend to complete a home-and -home from last year with Wisconsin-Eau Claire (that game was fun), but will be back home next Thursday in the Battle of Chicago Avenue against Benedictine. I'll have another Game Notes tomorrow though, as the North Central men complete a home-and-home from last year and take on defending national champion Wisconsin-Stevens Point.