The Anoka-Ramsey Women’s Basketball team fell 54-53 to Northland in the NJCAA DIII National Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday evening in Rochester.

The Golden Rams and Pioneers battled back and forth throughout the game leading to a 26-26 tie at halftime.

Anoka-Ramsey came out aggressive in the third quarter, using a 14-2 run to take a 40-28 lead with just over three minutes left in the period.

The Pioneers weren’t done though as they closed the quarter on a 9-2 run of their own to pull within five entering the fourth.

A three-point play by Bella Kanz gave Anoka-Ramsey a 50-43 cushion midway thru the final quarter before four straight points from Northland pulled them back within three.

After a Makayla Holten free throw, Northland responded with a three to pull within one point with 1:36 to go, then followed up with one of two free throws to tie the game at 51 apiece.

Anoka-Ramsey missed a go-ahead attempt with 22 seconds to play, but Northland turned the ball over giving the Golden Rams the seemingly final possesion.

Holten was fouled on a drive and made both free throws with 2.7 seconds left to give Anoka-Ramsey a 53-51 lead.

After a Northland timeout they advanced the ball and was fouled on a layup attempt, making the shot to tie the game, and the free throw with 1.3 seconds left for the lead.

Holten’s half-court heave at the buzzer bounced off the rim.

The teams were so evenly matched that nearly every statistic was even.  Both teams made 17 field goals, both were 4 of 18 from three, and both had 36 rebounds and 10 steals.  Anoka-Ramsey was 15 of 24 from the free throw line, with Northland going 16 of 24 for the one-point win.

Holten led Anoka-Ramsey with 20 points on 7 of 12 from the field.

Kanz finished with 11 points.  Jordan McMahon scored 7 points and hauled in 12 rebounds.

Anoka-Ramsey will play in the consolation round of the tournament at 12pm on Friday vs Prince George’s Community College.