MORRIS, Minn. – The Cougars (8-9, 6-0 UMAC) used a 23-3 run to start the second half to pull away from North Central (6-11, 1-5 UMAC) on Friday night. Minnesota Morris would go on to win the game 77-53 behind 21 points from Kendra Wycoff. Morris shot 8-13 from behind the arc in the victory, setting up a winner take first place game with Northwestern tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m.
 
North Central shot the ball well in the first half, hitting on 41.9% of their shots. The Cougars were able to hold off the Rams by hitting six three's including two from Jessica Love In the half. Morris also had jumped on the Rams, taking a 15-4 lead out of the gate. That lead would stick as UMM countered every Rams punch in the first half. North Central was only able to get as close as five in the first half.
 
Eight different Cougars had points in the first half, led by Wycoff and Love who each had six. Emily Auch had six rebounds and four points in the first half.
 
Minnesota Morris caught fire in the second half and soared over the Rams. The Cougars used a 23-3 run to push their lead to 25 with 11:32 left in the game. North Central never recovered and the Cougars picked up the 24 point win.
 
Defensively Morris held North Central to just 29% shooting in the second half and forced 15 turnovers. The Cougars held the advantage in points in the paint, outscoring the Rams 36-22.
 
The bench was a factor once again pouring in 32 points. Cori Becker led that charge, scoring 12 points off the bench. Auch just missed a double-double scoring ten points and grabbing nine rebounds. Once again Morris distributed the ball nicely, dishing out 17 assists. Connor Lewis had five to lead the team.