Box Score Mayville, N.D. – A hot shooting first half by host Mayville State was too much to overcome for the Minnesota Morris men's basketball team on Nov. 29, as their second half comeback fell just a point short in a 72-71 loss.

The Cougars found themselves down two and at the free throw line with 20 seconds to go looking to tie. The first shot fell, but the second bounced off the back of rim leaving them just a point short. It was the only miss at the line in the second half for the Cougars, as they finished 9-of-10 from the stripe, after going just 7-of-13 in the first half.

The Comets built up a 52-32 advantage at the break on a 19-of-29 (66%) shooting first half, which included a 9-of-13 (69%) mark from three-point range. The cooled way off in the second half, though, making just 9-of-25 (36%) from the field in the second half as the Cougars began their run.

Morris outscored Mayville State 39-20 in the second half, going 13-of-31 (42%) from the field, while keeping the pressure on in the defensive end. In holding down the Comet offense, the Cougars allowed just one three-pointer on 10 MSU attempts, while sinking four of their own.

The Cougars out-rebounded the Comets 31-to-29 in the game, their second-best mark of the season, and best in a losing effort.

Brodie Raymond (St. Peter, Minn.) led the offense with a career-high 16 points, with Derek Schmidt (East Grand Forks, Minn.) adding 12 and Evan Reller (Melrose, Minn.) adding 10 to also finish in double figures.

The loss is the third straight after a season opening win for the Cougars, and leaves them at 1-3 on the season. Mayville State improves to 6-4 with the win.

The Cougars continue play on the road next week, also continuing play against the NAIA when they travel to Valley City State on Dec. 7 for a 7:30 tip. The Cougars then return home two days later to host Mayville State in a rematch on Dec. 9.