MORRIS, Minn. – Minnesota Morris (3-9, 1-0 UMAC) outlasted the Crown College Storm (0-12, 0-1 UMAC) 83-56 on Saturday evening to win the UMAC Game of the Week. Five Cougars scored in double figures, led by RJ Dean who had 18. John Haseman had a career high 17 points on 8-10 shooting.
 
Dean scored ten of the Cougars first 17 points, proving to be the catalyst in the early going. Tom Messner netted eight points early off the bench to keep Crown in the game. John Haseman hit a corner three to give the Cougars a 27-19 lead with seven minutes left in the half.
 
Morris continued to slowly build their lead thanks to a complete team effort on offensive side of the ball. The Cougars ended the half on a 13-2 run that gave them a 45-25 lead at the break.
 
Dean would finish the first half with 12 points on 4-6 shooting. Neil Helgeson added ten points and four rebounds. CD Douglas was a perfect 3-3 in the first half, scoring eight points. As a team the Cougars were 11-15 from the foul line. Morris outscored Crown 12-0 on fast break points in the first half.
 
Both teams found the scoring rhythm in the second half, the Cougars outscored Crown 23-20 in the opening 12 minutes of the second half. The back and forth trend would continue throughout the rest of the half and Morris cruised to an 83-56 win.
 
Isaac Sawyer had 13 points off the bench for UMM. Helgeson and Douglas each finished with 12 points in the game. Morris scored quickly on several occasions, outscoring Crown 20-5 in fast break points.
 
Morris will now head south to take on Bethany Lutheran and Martin Luther next weekend.