MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris men's basketball team went cold from the field late in the second half and that allowed the University of Northwestern to rally past the Cougars for an 81-70 victory on Saturday afternoon. The loss sinks UMN Morris to 8-9 (3-4 UMAC) on the season.

After falling behind, 6-0, to start the game, Minnesota Morris came back and took a 10-8 lead as five different players scored to ignite the offense. Northwestern responded with a 7-0 run and proceeded to maintain the lead for almost the entirety of the first half. Two late buckets from the Eagles gave them a 38-31 advantage at the break.

It took less than five minutes for Minnesota Morris to storm back and take the lead in the second half. A three-point play from Pal Dak followed by a Gus Gunderson three-pointer put the Cougars ahead, 46-45, and Jarrett Kujava later scored eight straight UMN Morris points to give the Cougars a 58-55 edge. 

At the 9:15 mark, a Dak jumper made it 60-57, but Minnesota Morris wouldn't connect on a shot from the field for more than six minutes. By the time Dak's steal and layup broke the drought, the Cougar deficit was 69-64 with three minutes to go. Thomas Tiernan had a late triple with just over a minute to go to bring Minnesota Morris within six, but Northwestern put the game away by hitting all six of its free throws in the final minute.

Dak ended with 22 points on the day along with six rebounds and four steals. Kujava (16) and Gunderson (15) joined Dak in double figures.

Minnesota Morris wraps up non-conference play on Tuesday night with Trinity Bible College making the trip to James Gremmels Court for a 7:15 p.m. tip.