MORRIS, Minn. - The Minnesota Morris women's basketball opened the 2016-17 season Tuesday at Jim Gremmels Court against Concordia College. The Cougars held a halftime lead, but the Cobbers used a strong second half surge to claim a 59-47 victory.

The Cougars led for all, but three minutes in the first half and were up by as many as six after Jordan Halvorson's four straight points gave UMM a 15-9 edge. The Cobbers would go on a 14-7 run to take a 23-22 lead with 2:21 left in the first half. The teams exchanged shots before Tori Holt's two free throws gave the Cougars a 28-27 at the break.

Minnesota Morris lead on to the lead through most of the third quarter before a Greta Walsh jumper tied the game at 36. A pair of Concordia free throws gave the Cobbers a 38-36 lead going in the fourth quarter.

It was all Concordia in the fourth as they broke open a tight game and outscored the Cougars 21-11 in the stanza to take the opener by 12.

Elli Stevenson led the Cougars with 12 points with Mauren Thiesen close behind with 10. 

Minnesota Morris (0-1) head to the road for their next contest Thursday at Mayville State.