HANCHOCK, Mich. – Minnesota Morris (11-12) was edged by the Finlandia Lions (7-15) on Saturday afternoon, dropping the contest 73-68. The Cougars had three scorers in double figures, led by CD Douglas who had 13 points.
 
Dylan Erickson and Noah Grove each added 12 points. Tyler Ukkelberg had nine points and six rebounds. Morris dominated the second chance points category, outscoring the Lions 21-9. Morris also got 26 points from their bench.
 
Morris fell behind early, trailing by eight after seven minutes. The lead would dip to a single possession on a couple occasions but UMM did not lead until late in the half. An 8-0 run to end the half propelled Morris in front by five at the end of the period.
 
The run continued to the second half as Erickson connected on a three to give Morris an eight point lead, their largest of the game. The Lions would erase the lead and took a one point lead with 10:57 left to play.
 
The lead would exchange hands on a couple occasions but a 7-0 spurt by FU put them up seven with 4:32 to go. The Cougars got as close as three but each time Marcus Geralds made two straight free throws, which helped the Lions secure the win.
 
Heading into next week the Cougars will need just one victory to secure a berth in the UMAC Tournament. The Cougars can finish as high as third with a pair of wins and a pair of losses to North Central. If Morris goes 2-0 next week and the Rams go 1-1, a tiebreaker would give North Central the three seed.