MANKATO, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Morris men's basketball team struggled in the second half of an intense conference matchup against Bethany Lutheran College. The Cougars were outscored 37-50 in the second half and fell to the Vikings with a final score of 72-86. Minnesota Morris' three game win streak was snapped, and they now move to 4-3 in UMAC play.

Jumping out to an early lead in the matchup, led by Pal Dak and Carvin Fish, the Cougars held a five point advantage within the first few minutes. After a scoreless period for both teams, the Vikings tied things up and found their first lead of the game. James Hughes knocked down two from the charity stripe to bring the score to 11-11, before earning a steal and taking it to the hole to give the Cougars a two point lead. A tied game with 10 minutes remaining in the first half sparked a fire in both teams and, after nine more lead changes, Bethany Lutheran led by just one point heading into halftime. 

The Vikings established their lead early in the second half, hitting shots from all over the floor and effectively shutting the Cougars down on defense. Minnesota Morris did not back down and were able to keep the score within nine points until the last few minutes of the half. Despite the Cougars' efforts to come back, Bethany Lutheran secured the important victory.

Dak dropped 25 points on the night, adding on six rebounds and four steals to his stat line. Fish was the other Cougar in double-digits with 17 points and eight rebounds to go with it. 

The Cougars will kick off the second half of UMAC play with a home matchup against Northland College Feb. 1 at 1pm.