The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men's Basketball team traveled to Inver Hills Community College for their first two games after the holiday break, and came away with a weekend split against NJCAA D2 and D1 programs.

In Friday night's game, the Golden Rams defeated host Dakota County Technical College 88-72 behind a strong defensive effort in the first half.

The Blue Knights shot just 27.3 percent in the opening 20 minutes as Anoka-Ramsey took a 41-29 lead into the break.

DCTC hung tight throughout the second half, until a late run pushed the Golden Ram lead to 78-54, their largest lead of the game and Anoka-Ramsey would cruise to their 12th consecutive win.

Mahad Haji came off the bench to score 18 points, making 6 of 9 from the three-point line.

Edvonte Copeland scored 17 points.

Malik Williams knocked down four threes in scoring 14 points to go with six assists.

Kevin Schramm recorded a double-double with ten points and ten rebounds.

Chris Morgan chipped in with ten points.

Anoka-Ramsey shot 46.6 percent from the field and made 14 of 36 three-point attempts.

In Saturday afternoon's contest, the Golden Rams faced NJCAA D1 North Dakota State College of Science who entered the game ranked #21 nationally in their division.

The Golden Rams suffered their first defeat of the season, 88-76, in a hard-fought game that came down to the last two minutes.

Anoka-Ramsey fell behind early, but fought their way back and a three-pointer at the halftime buzzer by Mamadou Ngom pulled the Golden Rams within 47-43 at the break.

Both teams were lights-out shooting in the first half with Anoka-Ramsey connecting on 56.3 percent of their field goals, and NDSCS shooting 50 percent.

Anoka-Ramsey took a four point lead midway through the second half, but suddenly went cold shooting the ball as NDSCS started to pull away.

The Golden Rams trailed 76-74 with three minutes left, and had the ball, but failed to convert and the Wildcats would extend their lead primarily at the free throw line.

Ngom finished with 21 points and five rebounds.

Malik Williams scored 12 points to go with four assists.

The Golden Rams completed the non-conference portion of their schedule with their best record in school history through 13 games at 12-1.

MCAC Southern Division play begins with Anoka-Ramsey traveling to Western Tech on Wednesday, January 11th for a 7:45pm tip.