MORRIS, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Morris women's basketball team, while fighting for playoff contention, secured a crucial victory over North Central University. 

The Cougars jumped out to an early lead over the Rams in the first quarter, finding a 10-2 scoring gap with 5 minutes of play to go. North Central started heating up late in the quarter, launching a 10-4 scoring run that closed things up to within two heading into the second quarter. The Cougars were able to hold onto the lead, despite the Rams looking to tie things up before halftime. At the final buzzer of the first half, the game remained within four with the home team in the lead. 

The matchup between these two teams in playoff contention was intense, as the Cougars looked to put the game away and the Rams tried to keep the scoring close. At the end of the third quarter, Minnesota Morris led by just one point. It was the fourth quarter that determined the victor in this game. The Cougars outscored the Rams by an incredible 22-7 points, showcasing their lock-down defense when it counted. At the final buzzer, Minnesota Morris led by 16 points to put the game away.

Maddy Grove dropped a 22-point performance while grabbing seven rebounds on the night. Shelby Mortenson had a great game of her own, posting a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Claire Stark earned 10 points for the Cougars.