SAINT PAUL, MINN.—The Hamline University men's basketball team hosted North Central (Minn.) in a rare Thursday-night bout at Hutton Arena. An up-and-down game that featured 14 ties and 10 lead changes ended in the Pipers' favor, as Cooper Berg tallied a magical night with a double-double 20 points and 17 rebounds that lifted his team to a 97-90 (2OT) victory over the Rams.
 
The Pipers improve to 4-6, while North Central falls to 6-6.
 
Hamline 97, North Central 90 (2OT)
 
Hamline never led by more than two points in a second half that saw the score tied on seven occasions. The last occasion occurred courtesy of Andrew Jackson, who caught a no-look pass down low from Chasen Livingston and finished a layup with 0:01 on the clock that tied the game 71-71 heading into overtime.
 
Both teams traded eight points in the first overtime, before Hamline pulled through with an 18-11 edge in the second overtime to lock a 97-90 victory.
 
The Rams and Pipers combined for 21 made three-pointers. Five Pipers finished in double figures, led by Conner Krenos's team-high 22 points and five steals. Jake Larson and Tait Nelson each tallied 16 points, while Jake Veldman notched 12 points.
 
Jonathan Thompson led North Central (Minn.) with 25 points, while Tanner Holtman led the way with 13 rebounds.
 
The Pipers will return to MIAC play on Monday, January 3 at St. Olaf. Game time is set for 7 p.m.