MORRIS, Minn. - Bethany Lutheran proved why they are in a tie at top the conference standings as they defeated Minnesota Morris, 77-53, Saturday in UMAC men's basketball action at Jim Gremmels Court.

The Cougars were held to season lows in points (53) and field goal percentage (32 percent).

Bethany built a 28-11 lead with five minutes remaining, but the Cougars built together a 8-0 spurt to get back into the contest. CD Douglas made three straight baskets to start the spurt. BLC took a 37-27 lead into the locker room.

UMM stayed within range early in the second half. Nick Peterson drained a 3 to cut the Cougar deficit to 52-44. The Vikings followed though with a 20-2 run that gave them a 72-46 lead with 4:31 remaining.

Douglas led the Cougars with 14 points. Jeffrey Halverson added nine points and nine rebounds and his brother, Jeremy, also scored nine.

Minnesota Morris (9-12, 7-5 in UMAC) returns to the home court Wednesday against Martin Luther at 5:30 p.m.