MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris men's basketball team battled back from a halftime deficit and iced the game at the free-throw line in the closing seconds to defeat North Central University on Saturday, 79-72. The victory breaks a tie between the two teams in the conference standings as the Cougars are now alone in fourth place and just one game back of second place in the UMAC. The win lifts UMN Morris to 11-9 (6-4 UMAC) on the season, while the Rams drop to 11-9 (5-5 UMAC).

Things started slowly for Minnesota Morris, with nearly three minutes elapsing in the game before the Cougars were able to get on the board courtesy of a Jaret Johnson bucket. North Central held a 9-4 lead with more than five minutes gone before Minnesota Morris went on a 12-0 run that was capped by a three-point play from Kenny Placide for a 16-9 advantage. 

Momentum swung wildly in the first half and North Central came back to take a 26-20 lead. A Johnson triple got Minnesota Morris within a point, 28-27, with four minutes to go in the half, but the Rams were able to extend out to a 35-31 lead at the break.

The Cougar defense came out ready in the second half and held NCU off the board for more than three minutes, allowing Johnson and Noah Kannegiesser time to each connect and tie the game at 35-35. The lead bounced back and forth over the ensuing minutes before Blake Munson hit a three-ball at the 12-minute mark to give Minnesota Morris the lead for good at 47-45. Placide then added another three-point play to push the Cougars out to a five-point lead. 

The game was far from over and five quick points from North Central in a span of 45 seconds brought the Rams back within three, 60-57, with 3:04 remaining in the contest. Out of a timeout, Minnesota Morris executed nicely and Placide was left wide-open for an uncontested jam that brought the James Gremmels Court crowd to their feet. Then it was time for the Cougar defense to shine once again. Forcing a turnover, Pal Dak was fouled hard but converted a pair at the line to increase the margin to 64-57 and that was followed by another Ram turnover and a Johnson basket to grow the lead to 66-57 with 1:40 to play. 

North Central came down the floor and connected on a three with 1:21 to go, getting to within six. The final 80 seconds lasted what seemed like an eternity due to fouls, but Minnesota Morris put North Central away by going 13-of-15 in the home stretch to keep the Rams at arm's length.

Johnson used a series of nice post moves to end the day with a game-high 21 points. Placide came off the bench and had 17 points. Dak was 8-of-8 at the line and had 14 points, while Kannegiesser finished with 11.

Minnesota Morris will be back at James Gremmels Court on Feb. 10, hosting Martin Luther College at 5:30 p.m.