MORRIS, Minn. – A 27 point third quarter from Northwestern (15-4, 9-1 UMAC) helped the visitors beat Minnesota Morris (8-10, 4-6 UMAC) 65-45 on Friday night. Morris was held to just 27.8% shooting, a season low, in the loss. Tori Holt was the only Cougar in double figures on Friday, scoring ten points. Cori Becker added nine.
 
The Eagles held a 20-10 advantage in points off turnovers, including an 8-0 advantage in the decisive third quarter. The Eagles also had 28 points in the paint. The two teams combined to shoot 24-26 from the foul line.
 
The Cougars were impressive early, jumping out to a 10-2 lead after the first 4:12 of the game. Northwestern tied the game at ten but UMM held a 12-10 lead after the first quarter.
 
Minnesota Morris and Northwestern went back and forth in the second quarter but UNW found themselves up by two with 3:14 left in the half. Both teams went quiet and it was not until a three pointer from Mauren Theisen just before time expired in the half, which gave Morris a 25-24 lead at the break.
 
Becker put UMM up three with a pair of free throws early in the third quarter. The lead would grow to five at 34-29 with 6:14 left in the quarter. Northwestern would prove why they are one of the best teams in the UMAC, finishing the quarter on a 22-2 run.
 
Morris was unable to recover in the fourth quarter and Northwestern left town with a 20 point win. The Cougars are back at it tomorrow evening in a matchup with North Central at 5 p.m.