Morris, MN - MLC women's basketball squared off for a second meeting with the UM-Morris Cougars on Friday. The Knights previously fell to the Cougars 72-33 in the first game, without three key players, including forward Emma Nelson. MLC would have Nelson available this time around, but the result ended in a similar fashion, with the Knights losing 81-45. 

    MLC would struggle offensively in the first half and shot just 22.6 percent (7-of-31) from the field. The Cougars made it hard for MLC to get decent looks at the rim and used their size and length to disrupt the Knights' timing. The main statistical difference was in perimeter shooting with the Cougars going 5-of-9 from downtown, whereas the Knights went 0-of-10 from 3-point territory. UM-Morris capitalized on their efficient shooting and as a result walked into halftime up 36-16.

    The Knights came out aggressive to start the second half and looked to cut into their double-digit deficit, but the Cougars would instead add on to their halftime lead with a pair of Tariq Brownotter 3-pointers and an old fashioned 3-point play from Jadyn Sondrol near the basket. UM-Morris locked down defensively and forced MLC into just 20 percent shooting from the floor in the final period of action, as the Cougars emptied the rest of their bench on their way to the win.

    UM-Morris outscored MLC 45-16 in bench scoring and all but two players ended up in the scoring column on the night. Despite another loss for MLC, the Knights did force 21 turnovers and had moments of playing tight-nosed defense. The Knights were led in scoring by Jordyn Heckendorf, who had 13 points and five rebounds. The Cougars were led by Brownotter who finished with 19 points and six rebounds.

MLC (8-14, 1-11) will look to bounce back when they play Crown on Saturday, February 11 at 4:45 p.m.