.MORRIS, Minn. - Fresh off a game against a Division 1 opponent in the University of North Dakota Saturday in Grand Forks, N.D. that showed signs of promise, The University of Minnesota Morris Men's basketball team played host to Mayville State University in the finale of a double-header Tuesday at the P.E. Center.

The score might not have been favorable to the Cougars, but again, signs of promise were on display.

After igniting to a 20-9 run early in the first quarter, the Comets were able to come away with a 86-64 win over the Cougars in Non-conference action.

In the first half, it appeared as if the Comets were simply a step ahead of Minnesota Morris. With a blend of crisp passing and great ball movement on the offensive end, Mayville State rarely faced a contested shot. On the other end of the floor, it seemed as if the Cougars were unable to come up with the answer for the sticky, stifling defense of the Comets. Mayville entered the half with 49-29 lead over the Cougars.

That is, until a pair of seniors caught their groove.

Battling the Cougars back to striking distance, Noah Grove and Jeffery Halverson each registered 18 points to cut the deficit. Grove's jumper at the 7:04-mark of the second half managed to cut the Comets lead to 16. It was another strong showing for Grove, who has reached double figures in his last three games. In fact, his performance Tuesday is just one-point shy of his season-high.  He was 6-for-16 from the floor,  to include going 5-for-6 at the charity stripe.  He also grabbed five rebounds and recorded a pair of steals.

Halverson reached double figures for the second time his season and set a new season-high with his 18 points. The senior went 7-for-12 from the floor - going 1-for-2 from beyond the arch - and a strong showing at the line, connecting on three of his five free throw attempts. He also hauled in eight rebounds to lead the team.

Trent Jerome was the spark off the bench for the Cougars tonight, leading all scorers off the bench with nine points after going 3-for-4 from the floor.

The Cougars (1-3) will play host to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Saturday, Nov. 24 in the finale of a double-header. Tip-off is set for 4 P.M.