MORRIS, Minn. – Minnesota Morris (15-11) is in search of a trip to the NCAA Tournament when they take on Northwestern (17-9) tomorrow evening at 5 p.m. The road to the tournament goes through St. Paul and the Eagles of the Northwestern. It will be the third meeting of the two teams this season.
 
The two just played a week ago with the Eagles holding off a hard charging Cougars team. Northwestern held on for a 64-58 win, avenging their loss in Morris by a score of 62-47.
 
Defensive has been the key for the Cougars this season. In their 15 victories the Cougars are averaging 10.3 steals per game. Opponents are averaging 19.3 turnovers in those 15 games as well. Minnesota Morris also shares the ball well in their victories, averaging 17.9 assists in their wins.
 
Northwestern has also had success this season in part to their defense. The Eagles are holding opponents to 32.2% from the field on the year. Last week they held the Cougars to just 6-30 from the field in the first half, helping them build up a lead.
 
The Eagles starters are all averaging at least eight points per game. The five combine for nearly 50 points per game, over 76% of their game total.
 
In the home victory against the Eagles, Minnesota Morris forced 25 turnovers which resulted in 30 points. Despite almost shooting the exact same from the field Morris made nine more field goals than the Eagles which helped the Cougars earn the win.