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Box Score

Morris, Minn. – The Minnesota Morris women's basketball picked up right where they left off last season, with a 77-45 win over North Central in the season opener tonight (Nov. 15).

The Cougars' offense was able to put up points early and often in the first half. Morris (1-0) scored 42 in the first 20 minutes, and kept the Rams in check by only allowing 15 points. The biggest lead of the first half for the Cougars came on a Kendra Wycoff (Montrose, Minn.) three-pointer with 1:15 left when they put North Central (0-1) in a 27-point hole going into the break.

Wykoff led the way for the Cougars in her first career game, coming off the bench to score a game-high 25 points, while spending 22 minutes on the floor.

In the second half it was more of the same story, with the Cougar offense running on all cylinders and defense shutting down the Rams. The Cougars shot 42% from the floor on the night, while holding the Rams to a 34% clip.

Emily Mehr (Aitkin, Minn.) continued her success from last season, scoring 18 points to go with eight rebounds. Jenni Noordmans (Hancock, Minn.) also added 10 points, with Abby Fragodt (Benson, Minn.) pulling down eight boards as well. However, the big story was Wycoff who did her damage on 9-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-8 from three-point land.

Wycoff was good for half of the Cougars' eight three-pointers in the game, with the team also going 13-of-18 from the free throw line. Morris held North Central to a mere 2-of-8 from long range, while also out-rebounding the Rams 43-to-30 on the night.

With their win, the Cougars have now won the past 19 of their 22, and will look to continue that success when they take part in the MIAC-UMAC Challenge this weekend in St. Joesph, Minn.  Morris will take on St. Benedict this Friday (Nov. 18) and St. Catherine on Saturday (Nov. 19). The games will be played at 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. respectively, with St. Scholastica also in action to round out the UMAC representation.