ABERDEEN, S.D. – The UMN Morris men's basketball team (4-7) opened up the 2020 calendar year with an 81-74 victory over Presentation Saturday afternoon. Sophomore Dillon Haider led the way with 27 points.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Cougars jumped out to a 14-6 lead over Saints almost five minutes into the game.

• After the Saints brought the score within one at 17-16, the Cougars then went on an 8-0 run to take a 25-16 lead.

• In the closing minutes of the first half, Presentation overcame a nine-point deficit to take a 35-34 lead into halftime.

• The second half saw the Saints build an eight-point lead at 56-48 with 12:31 to play in regulation.

• The Cougars were able to battle back and take the lead at 65-64 with 6:52 to go in the second half.

• With the score tied at 71-all late in the game, Jaret Johnson put the Cougars up by two with 3:21 to play in regulation.

• UMN Morris made four free throws down the final seconds of the game to secure the 81-74 victory.

NOTABLES

• Haider was 7-of-9 from 3-point range.

• Along with Haider, Nick Peterson (17 points), Kenneth Riley (12 points) and Blake Martinz (11 points) all scored double-figures.

• Peterson led the Cougars with six rebounds.

• Trent Jerome tallied four assists to lead the Cougars.

UP NEXT
The Cougars are on the road in Mankato, Minnesota, on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 5:30 p.m. against Bethany Lutheran.