MORRIS, Minn. – Minnesota Morris (12-12, 9-6 UMAC) men's basketball picked up an important 74-54 win over Martin Luther (1-23, 1-14 UMAC) on Friday night. The win keeps the Cougars hopes of earning a three seed in the UMAC Tournament alive. North Central lost to St. Scholastica on Friday meaning if the same results occur tomorrow, the Cougars would enter the post season as a three seed.
 
Dylan Erickson had a career high 17 points off the bench to lead UMM offensively. CD Douglas had 14 points and four rebounds. Tyler Ukkelberg added 13 points and seven rebounds. Joe Roggenbuck nearly had a double-double, finishing with 11 points and nine rebounds.
 
Martin Luther was able to keep pace with the Cougars in the first half as the two teams had nearly identical stats after 20 minutes of play. Morris finished with a 13-12 advantage in made field goals, propelling them to a 32-30 halftime lead.
 
In the second half the Cougars defense did all they could to slow down the Knights attack. Morris held Martin Luther to just 29% shooting in the second half and did not give up a shot from behind the arc. Morris finished the second half with a 9-2 advantage in second chance points. The Cougars bench outscored MLC 18-2 in the final stanza. Erickson had 12 of his 17 points in the second half.
 
After the Knights tied the ballgame at 32 early in the second half, Morris put together a 21-5 run to put them in front by 16 with 12:17 left. Martin Luther could only get as close as ten and the Cougars pulled away late for a 20 point victory.
 
Tomorrow the Cougars will host Bethany Lutheran on Senior Day. Prior to the game Morris will honor seniors Kevin Heysee and Joe Roggenbuck.