As they did the day before against Curry, the Pipers jumped out to an early lead and protected it until the final buzzer for the win.

Kristin Sczublewski (Jr., Pierz, Minn.) scored the opening basket and the Pipers took their first double-digit lead at 15:45, 13-2. North Central cut that lead to nine points a minute later, however Mary Wilkowski (Jr., Savannah, Ga.) put Hamline up by ten, 14-4, at 14:02.

North Central cut their deficit to single digits at 11:25 in the second half as the Pipers led, 43-34. They narrowed the gap to seven points 20 seconds later on a pair of free throws.

Wilkowski and Carolyn Jorengsen (Jr, Franklin, Wis.) then hit a series of free throws for the Pipers to regain a 10-point lead, 46-46, at 10:01.

After that, the Pipers maintained a strong lead until the end of the game for the 73-54 win.

Wilkowski had 23 points and 13 rebounds for her second straight double-double and her fourth of the season. It was also Wilkowski's fourth 20+ point performance this year.

Sczublewski had 13 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Nikki Klinck (Jr., Hibbing, Minn.) had four steals to go along with 11 points. Jackie Kelly (Jr., Blaine, Minn.) rounded out the Piper double-digit scoring with 12 points.

The Pipers head into the holiday break with a 5-3 overall record. They resume MIAC play by hosting Bethel on Monday, January 4, at 7:30. Hamline has a 3-2 conference record.