Minneapolis, MN – Crown squared up with North Central with major playoff implications on the line for the upcoming UMAC tournament. North Central walked away within a 96-88 victory over the Polars.  

Two powerful offenses squared off on Friday night in Minneapolis. Buckner quickly scored 8 points to give the Polars an early 10-2 lead. The tides turned midway through the half as the Rams fought back and took a 48-37 lead to enter the half. The second half saw the Rams stay out in front throughout the half. Crown was able to get the lead down to just 3 points with 6 minutes to play. The North Central offense proved to be too much for the Polars as they took home the win.

Tyrus Buckner set a single game scoring record for the Polars on Friday night in Minneapolis. Buckner finished with an incredible 44 points and now holds his place within the record books. Tyrus finished 18-26 from the field while adding 8 points at the free throw line. Buckner broke the previous record of 40 previously set by Tim Wendel and Seth Moan.  

Micah Ladd finished the night with 9 points and 8 assists for the Polars. Carroll also added 15 points for Crown and 7 rebounds. As a team Crown shot 47.9% from the field going 34-71 and just 16.7% from three point range going 3-18.

Crown falls to 15-9 on the year and 7-6 in UMAC play. The Polars are back in action tomorrow February 17th in a must win game on the road at Northwestern with a UMAC playoff spot on the line.