Box Score MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota Morris (7-10, 3-4 UMAC) was outscored 32-16 in the paint on Saturday as they fell 72-64 to Bethany Lutheran (7-10, 5- UMAC). Four Cougars scored in double figures, led by Brendon Foss who had 13 points and eight rebounds on the afternoon. After a slow start for both teams they combined for 87 second half points as both teams shot over 50 percent.
 
The Cougars fell behind early as the Vikings jumped out a 9-1 lead. Morris tried to fight back throughout the next ten minutes of game action yet it was not until the 7:45 mark when Steve Birman hit a jumper cutting the lead to just one. It would be as close the Cougars would get as Vikings extended their lead to seven just before the end of the half, taking the 28-21 lead into the locker room.
 
Out of the break Bethany Lutheran went on a 9-2 run to take a 37-23 lead with 17:25 left. Minnesota Morris did not go away quietly as they would put together a methodical run closing the game to just four with 11:48 left. Brendon Foss had five points during the run and Orazem and Reller each had four. Morris could not overcome the Vikings as they pulled away once again. RJ Dean hit a pair of free throws with 2:14 left to again pull the Cougars within four but it would not be enough as the Cougars would go just 2-7 in the final two minutes falling 72-64.
 
Dean finished with 12 points, Reller and Tyler Pendleton each had 11 points on the night. Reller also had eight rebounds nearly picking up a double-double.
 
Next up for the Cougars will be another road test as they travel to St. Bonifacius to take on Crown, Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.