MORRIS, Minn. – Minnesota Morris (11-11, 9-2 UMAC) will be playing at home in the UMAC Tournament for the second straight year after earning a 65-58 win over Martin Luther (4-18, 3-8 UMAC on Friday night. Neil Helgeson had a game high 21 points in the victory, doing a lot of damage from the foul line.
 
The Cougars started the game on fire, hitting 11 of their first 12 shots from the field. The Knights were able to force six turnovers in the first ten minutes which would help them stay in the game. Despite those turnovers, Morris led by 15 with 7:22 left in the half. Morris would eventually start missing from the field but the Knights could not counter and UMM took a 14 point lead into the break.
 
Joe Roggenbuck was a force in the early going, scoring eight quick points, and finishing the half with ten points on 5-5 shooting. Helgeson had nine first half points and Dylan Erickson came off the bench to add eight. Morris out shot MLC, 50.0%-34.5% in the first half.
 
The Knights cut the Cougars lead to eight, five minutes into the second half but Morris would keep them at bay for the time being. Eventually MLC saw an opening and went on a 7-0 run to cut the lead to five with 6:35 left. Morris would not be denied and made sure to not give away the lead. Martin Luther never got closer than five and UMM hit their free throws down the stretch to win 65-58.
 
The Morris bench outscored MLC 21-0 on the night, proving to be a big difference in the victory.

Tomorrow the Cougars will honor three seniors prior to the game which will tip off at 5 p.m. in the P.E. Center.