MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris men's basketball team finally was able to host its home opener on Monday night, but Noah Alm and the University of Northwestern wrecked the occasion with a 98-81 victory at Jim Gremmels Court. The Cougars fall to 1-3 overall on the year and in the UMAC, while UNW ups its record to 6-2 (2-1 UMAC).

The score was tied at 2-2 within the first 30 seconds of the game, but a 10-0 burst from Northwestern followed, capped by a three-pointer from Alm for the first three of his 42 points on the night. Minnesota Morris fought to close the gap and got within three at 16-13 on a steal and thunderous dunk from Tath Dak at the 13:13 mark.

Two minutes later, the Cougars pulled even closer on a Jarrett Kujava three-point play to make it 17-16, but UMN Morris would not be able to overtake Northwestern. With Alm heating up, the Eagles padded their lead to 48-35 at the break.

Alm's hot shooting picked up even more in the second half. With Kyle Kaemingk adding a second offensive option for Northwestern, the lead grew to 70-46 with just over 13 minutes remaining. Dillon Haider spurred a comeback for UMN Morris that sliced the deficit to 84-69 with under six minutes to play, but the Eagles were not to be caught, catching fire from downtown and reestablishing a commanding margin in the final minutes.

Alm ended with a double-double of 42 points and 10 rebounds, while Kaemingk added another with 23 points and 12 boards. Haider led five Cougars in double-figures with 18. Kenneth Riley added 12 and the trio of Ian Carlin, Tath Dak and Kujava all ended with 10 points.

Tuesday's game began a hectic stretch of four games in six days for UMN Morris. Next up is a road trip to Crown College for a 7 p.m. tip in St. Bonifacius on Thursday.