DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Morris (10-10, 8-1 UMAC) started hot on Friday night but foul trouble and free throw shooting would cost them in a 70-61 loss to St. Scholastica (9-11, 6-3 UMAC). Emily Auch and Kendra Wycoff led the way with 14 points. Tori Holt had 13 points and 14 rebounds.
 
Wycoff was hitting from three early and the Cougars held a 19-15 lead about halfway through the first. Kayla Kraemer took over for her and scored five straight to extend the UMM lead to 27-15. That lead would not last too long as the Saints started hitting shots and knocked down a couple from behind the arc and tied the game at 29. Morris got in a little foul trouble which helped the Saints finish the half on a 20-6 run and take a 37-33 lead into the break.
 
Wycoff finished the first half with 12 points but also had three personal fouls. Kraemer had five points and two personal fouls. The offense stalled for bit with those two on the bench. Morris was 6-10 from three in the first 20 minutes of play.
 
The Saints built up a 41-33 lead early in the second half, hitting two quick shots out of the break. Morris' defense stepped up to make sure the Saints couldn't run away, forcing turnovers and cleaning up the defensive glass. Minnesota Morris would cut the lead back to four but could not get any closer.
 
The Saints increased their defensive pressure and the Cougars were unable find a way to get within a single possession. Neither team shot the ball particularly well in the game but the two teams did counter each other over and over on both ends of the court. Morris never got any closer than four in the second half and CSS prevented a comeback by hitting their free throws late. The Cougars finished the game with 20 turnovers, tied for their most this season in a UMAC game.
 
Morris will look to rebound tomorrow afternoon as they take on Northland at 3 p.m.