MORRIS, Minn. – Junior James Pendleton had a career-high 26 points, but it wasn't enough as No. 12 Saint John's (2-1) defeated the UMN Morris men's basketball team (1-1), 86-80, Wednesday night at the Cougar Sports Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- With the score at 13-11 in favor of the Cougars with 14:05 to play in the opening half, UMN Morris went on a 7-2 run to build its largest lead of the game at 20-13 with 12:22 to play.
- Saint John's tied the game at 27-all with 8:01 to play in the opening half, but the score remained in favor for the Cougars for the rest of the half.
- The Cougars shot almost 53 percent from the floor over the first 20 minutes of play to take a 43-41 lead over the Johnnies.
- Saint John's went on an 11-0 run over the first 5:25 of the second half to take a 52-43 lead over UMN Morris.
- Despite the Cougars bringing the game within a couple of points numerous times down the stretch, Saint John's was able to respond and keep the lead intact en route to the 86-80 victory.
NOTABLES
- Along with his 26 points, Pendleton recorded a game-high three steals, two rebounds and two assists.
- Sophomore Kenneth Riley chipped in a career-best 16 points on the evening.
- The Cougar bench outscored the Saint John's bench, 20-9, which included a 13-0 margin in the second half.
UP NEXT
The Cougars head to Waverly, Iowa, for the Wartburg Classic. The Cougars will face Cornell College on Friday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m.
