MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.—The Hamline University men's basketball team made the short trek to North Central (Minn.) for their final non-conference game of the season. The Pipers ended 2022 with a 68-58 decision over the Rams.

Hamline exits 2022 with a 7-3 record, while North Central falls to 7-5.

Hamline 68, North Central 58

Both teams were within striking distance of another as five lead changes occurred over the first 25:00 of play. Daniel McCarrell, who notched a game-high 24 points for the Pipers, gave his team the permanent lead with back-to-back layups that made the score 40-38 with 14:36 remaining in the contest.

Both squads couldn't find rhythm from beyond the arch, as they combined for a 7-of-42 (.167) figure. The Pipers had their best performance of the season from the free throw line with a 22-of-29 (.759) mark. Bradley Cimperman contributed 18 points and nine rebounds, while Austin Holt chipped in 16 points and nine boards for the Pipers. Hamline's starting five scored all but one point in the game.

Caden Freetly led North Central with 17 points, followed Cameron Thomas's double double 12 points and 11 boards.

The Pipers will travel to Saint Mary's (Minn.) on Wednesday, January 4 at 7 p.m.