MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris men's basketball team fought valiantly but came up two points short on Monday night in the team's final non-conference matchup of the regular season, dropping a 61-59 decision to Macalester College. The Cougars move to 10-8 on the season while the Scots improve their record to 13-6 overall.

The early portions of the contest tilted towards Minnesota Morris, with the Cougars leading by as many as 14 points in the first half. Noah Kannegiesser hit a pair of three-pointers in the opening two minutes and that was followed by a Pal Dak three-point play for a 9-3 lead. Though Macalester came back and went in front, 14-13, UMN Morris responded with a 15-0 run to go in front, 28-14. Kenny Placide scored seven straight during the run, with threes from Thomas Tiernan and Dak finishing it off.

A timeout from the Scots midway through the half changed the momentum and Macalester went on a 19-2 run over the next seven minutes to take a 36-33 advantage. Dak hit a three-pointer to stem the tide and knot the score at 36-36, but the Scots finished the half on a 6-0 spurt to take a 42-36 lead into the break. 

After both teams showed what their offenses were capable of in the first half, the defenses were turned up in the second 20 minutes. As the empty possessions mounted on both sides, each trip took on added significance. With Macalester in front, 50-43, Minnesota Morris cut its deficit to just two on a three-ball from Jarret Kujava and a steal and breakaway dunk from Dak. The Scots then built the lead back up to nine with five minutes remaining before the Cougars made one last surge.

A jumper from Dak made it a 59-52 ballgame with just over four minutes to play. The score wouldn't budge for more than two minutes before Placide converted down low to bring Minnesota Morris within five. In the final minute, a pair of free throws from Macalester gave the visitors a 61-54 edge. Gus Gunderson then came down in a hurry and scored three the old-fashioned way. The Scots came up empty on a trip to the line and Gunderson scored again, this time with three seconds left to bring the Cougars within two. In need of a quick foul, Macalester came out of a timeout and was able to break out of the Minnesota Morris trap and dribble the clock out.

Dak led the Cougars on the night with 15 points, while Kannegiesser added 13. Placide led the bench crew with nine points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Minnesota Morris resumes UMAC play on Friday night, hosting the University of Northwestern at James Gremmels Court starting at 5:30 p.m.