MORRIS, Minn. - Minnesota Morris held Crown to just 17.6 percent shooting from the floor as they dominated the Storm, 72-33, in a women's basketball UMAC-opening contest for both teams Wednesday night at Jim Gremmels Court.

In addition to their stellar defense around the hoop, the Cougars held the Storm to just 6 percent shooting from beyond the arc (1-for-17).

The Cougars scored the game's first 14 points in the game's first four minutes as their defense led to easy transition baskets. They took a 21-9 lead after one quarter.

UMM outscored Crown, 26-7, in the second quarter as they took a 31-point lead at halftime. The lead reached 20 for the first time following an Elli Stevenson 3, a Kendra Raths lay-in, and a Stevenson lay-in. Later, a Cougar 10-0 run gave UMM a 30-point lead at 42-12. 

The Cougars lead would not get below 30 throughout the second half. They held Crown to single-digit scoring in each quarter and no Crown player reached double-digits in scoring.

Stevenson led the Cougars with 19 points. Bailey Miller scored 13 and Raths added 10. Abby Van Kempen had a near double-double with nine points and 17 rebounds.

Minnesota Morris (1-7, 1-0 in UMAC) next plays Saturday at UW-Superior.