MORRIS, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Morris men's basketball team opened UMAC play up at home with a matchup against the Martin Luther College Knights. The Cougars came away from the day with an 87-54 victory to start the second half of their season off sitting 1-0 in conference play and 3-8 overall.

Minnesota Morris took an early lead in the matchup, getting up 11-4 on their opponents just five minutes into the game. Martin Luther fought to keep things close but back-to-back baskets from Ian Fahje, assisted by James "Juice" Hughes, thrust the Cougars into a 10 point lead. The lead expanded for Minnesota Morris in the second part of the half with a layup from Dom Aguilar and a three from Gustav Gunderson to put the Cougars up 28-11. Martin Luther put together a 14-8 run in the remaining eight minutes of the half, clawing back into the game and keeping the score close at 25-36 heading into halftime. 

Minnesota Morris got hot in the second half of the matchup, outscoring the Knights 51-29 and establishing a dominant lead. Sharing in the wealth, the Cougars saw points from all around the floor but it was Fahje who dominated in the paint for Minnesota Morris. He scored 15 of his 21 points in the second half, with the help of incredible assists from his teammates. The Cougars led by an impressive 33 points when the final buzzer announced the end of the game.

Fahje led the team in scoring with 21 points on the night, going 10-12 from field goal range. He added four rebounds and three blocks to aid in the Cougar's victory. Aguilar earned 16 points of his own and had four rebounds. Gunderson, Pal Dak, and Carvin Fish each put up 10 points for Minnesota Morris. Dak also led the team with six assists, closely followed by Hughes who had five on the night.

The Cougars will head on the road Jan. 11 to Ashland, Wis. for a 1 pm matchup against Northland College.