tid NORTHFIELD, Minn. –
Luke Harris tied his career high as he poured in a game-high 26 points to lead the Carleton College men's basketball team to a season-opening 57-50 victory over North Central University (Minn.).
Carleton (1-0) shot only 32.8 percent overall and 14.3 percent (3-of-21) from beyond the arc, but the Knights' defense came up with nine steals and limited the Rams (0-3) to just 30.0 percent shooting overall. This was the fewest points the Knights have allowed since surrendering 46 in a win over Hamline on Jan. 10, 2022.
Carleton raced out to a 9-0 lead over the first three-plus minutes of the game, but the Rams answered with a 15-4 run to earn a two-point lead midway through the opening period. North Central trailed again 23-17 with less than five minutes to go in the half but closed the half with a 10-3 spurt and took a 27-26 advantage into the break.
Carmello McNeal knocked down a jumper that gave the visitors a 34-33 edge at the 14:10 mark of the second half, but Harris sliced through the defense for a layup at the other end and Carleton would not trail the remainder of the contest.
With less than two minutes remaining,
Miles Frisch scored four crucial insurance points—knocking down a jumper and hitting a pair of free throws—to ensure the hosts secured the season-opening victory.
In addition to his 11th career game with 20-plus points, Harris added seven boards, three assists, and two steals to a crowded stat sheet.
Sam Koelling contributed nine points, five rebounds, three blocks, and two steals in his collegiate debut for Carleton.
Matt Banovetz,
Alex Gibbens, and
Spencer Goetz each had a game-high eight rebounds.
Carringon McNeal collected 14 points to pace North Central, with Tanner Holtman chipping in 11 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton will step away from competition for fall term final exams before hosting Saint John's University on Tuesday, Nov. 21. That game, a rematch of the 2023 MIAC Playoffs Final, will have a 7:00 p.m. tipoff at West Gym.
