Taking control early and never relenting, the North Central College men's basketball team improved to 3-0 this season on Saturday with an 87-67 victory over Alma College (Michigan) at Gregory Arena.

The Cardinals were led in scoring for the second straight game by Connor Raridon, who finished with a team-high 25 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots to post his 11th career double-double. 

Trailing, 6-4, after the first three minutes, North Central scored 12 straight points over the next 4:22 to take a 16-6 lead. Leading, 36-29, with 3:06 left in the first half, the Cardinals closed the period with a 9-4 run, getting seven points from Raridon, to take a 45-33 halftime lead. North Central led by at least 14 points throughout the entire second period, pulling ahead by as many as 25 points down the stretch.

Matt Cappelletti finished with 18 points, while Blaise Meredith scored 17. Cappellettti, Meredith and Jack Bronec each grabbed six rebounds, while Clausel handed out three assists to share the team lead with Raridon. 

The Cardinals travel to face Finlandia University (0-5) on Tuesday. Tipoff at the Paavo Nurmi Center is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Eastern time.