ST. PAUL, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Morris men's basketball team battled in a close matchup against the Macalester College Scots. The Cougars came away from the day with an 80-85 loss to Macalester after forcing overtime in a thrilling second half. 

The Scots found a quick lead in the game, jumping out 20-0 before Ian Fahje opened up the scoring for the Cougars with 13 minutes remaining in the half. Pal Dak and Dom Aguilar were an integral part of Minnesota Morris' rally in the first half, scoring 16 of the Cougar's 28 points in the half. Tarik Iyob knocked down two from the charity stripe and splashed a triple to bring Minnesota Morris to within nine points (28-37) of the Scots heading into halftime. 

The Cougars kicked off the second half with a 9-0 scoring run to tie things up with 15 minutes left in the half. Minnesota Morris struggled to stop the Scot's offense in the middle of the half, but were able to keep their own offense going and stay in the game. Aguilar splashed a three with 31 seconds remaining to cut Macalester's lead to four (68-64). Nelson snagged a defense rebound with 27 seconds remaining and took it down the floor to hit a clutch triple. With the Cougars still down three from Macalester free throws, Dak was fouled with two seconds remaining. Heading to the free throw line with the game on the line, he hit three shots to send the matchup into overtime.

The Scots solidified their victory in this non-conference matchup after outscoring the Cougars 15-10 in the five minute overtime. 

Dak led the Cougars in scoring with 23 points on the night. He nabbed nine defensive rebounds as well to lead Minnesota Morris on the boards. Aguilar aided the Cougars with fourteen points of his own. Tarik Iyob and Nelson added eleven and ten points to the scoreboard respectively, while Carvin Fish dropped eight under the bucket.

The Cougars will open conference play on Jan. 8 with a 5:30 pm matchup at home against Martin Luther College.