ST. PAUL, Minn. - Northwestern held Minnesota Morris to 27 percent shooting in the second half and broke open a tight game at halftime to take an 88-63 decision from the Cougars Friday night in UMAC men's basketball action.

Both teams shot well over 50 percent in the first half as the Cougars and Eagles combined to score 96 points with the Eagles taking a 50-46 lead into the break.

Five minutes into the game, the Cougars already found themselves down by double digits at 22-8. Minnesota Morris went on a 3-point barrage over the next six minutes and took a 30-29 lead following a 22-7 spurt. Dylan Erickson and Jeremy Halverson each hit a pair of 3s to start the run, then CD Douglas and Noah Grove continued it to help give the Cougars the advantage. Northwestern regained control to take a seven-point edge before the Cougars cut it to four by halftime.

It was all Northwestern in the second half as they outscored the Cougars 38-17.

Halverson led the Cougars in scoring with 14 points off the bench. Douglas added 11.

Minnesota Morris (12-10, 7-6 in UMAC) will look to get back in the win column Saturday at North Central at 4 p.m.