SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Despite going a perfect 9-9 from the free throw line, the University of Minnesota Morris' struggles at the three-point line could be what cost the game for the Cougars in a 64-67 loss. 

After a slow first quarter for Minnesota Morris, things started to heat up for Maddy Grove as she scored eight of the team's 15 second quarter points. The stifling defense from the team in maroon held the Eagles to 12 points, and the Cougars trailed by just two points heading into halftime.

Shelby Mortenson tied things up early in the third quarter at 29-29, but the visiting team could not find the lead as Northwestern snuck out in front. Grove was able to tie the game up again with 3:36 to go in the quarter, and Mortenson's lay-in under the basket gave Minnesota Morris their first lead of the second half. After three more exciting minutes of back-and-forth basketball, the two teams were tied up at 47-47 with ten minutes to play. 

Northwestern was quick to command control of the game, leaving the Cougars scrambling to find a lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. After free throws put the Eagles up three points with four seconds on the clock, Minnesota Morris called a timeout to draw up a play. Grove's three point attempt looked right on the line to all those watching the game but a tough bounce had the ball flying off the rim and out of the basket. The Cougars valiant attempt to send the game into the overtime was foiled and a three point lead gave the Eagles the win.

Grove had an impressive double-double of 28 points and 11 rebounds on the day. Mortenson dropped 11 points of her own and pulled in nine rebounds for the Cougars. 

Cougar basketball returns to James Gremmels Court for a matchup against North Central University on Feb. 12. The ball is scheduled to go in the air at 7:15pm.