NEW ULM, Minn. - Down by two with 12 seconds to go, the University of Minnesota Morris men's basketball team needed a two point bucket to tie the game or a three to win. Pal Dak had just the solution for the Cougars, driving into the lane and putting up an and-one layup. With the game on the line, Dak knocked down his free throw to improve the men's basketball record to 8-4 in UMAC play.

The game started off close, with both teams battling for control and playing lock-down defense. It was Martin Luther who found the momentum to lead the Cougars for the last ten minutes of the first half, finding a double-digit point gap and forcing Minnesota Morris to chase them. By the end of the first half, the Knights led 40-34 after the Cougars made up some ground. 

With the home-court advantage, Martin Luther went into the second half confident with their lead. The Knights stayed on top, despite the Cougar's attempts to close the scoring gap. In the last two minutes of the game, Minnesota Morris tied things for the first time in the half with a layup from Carvin Fish. The Knights were able to jump out to a four points lead shortly after, before Dom Aguilar stepped up to the charity stripe and knocked down two shots. Gustav Gunderson hit one of his free-throws to bring the Cougars just short of tying the game at 83-84. Martin Luther responded with a made free throw of their own, before Dak took command and led Minnesota Morris to an 86-85 victory.

Dak's 38-point performance included going 11-12 from the free throw line and pulling in six rebounds (5 defensive). Fish earned a double-double on the day with 16 points and 11 rebounds, in addition to two blocks and two assists. Brian LaRoche Jr. added 11 points to the Cougars' final total.

Minnesota Morris continues their battle for entrance into the conference tournament with a home matchup against Bethany Lutheran College. The game is scheduled for a 5:30 pm tip-off on Feb. 19.