Morris, MN - The Polars Men's Basketball team faced off with the Minnesota-Morris Cougars on Saturday and lost 61-58.

Crown got on the board to start the game as Jacob Van Dam knocked down a three ball, and shortly later Jacob Masek scored his first points of the game. With about 13:44 the Cougars took their first lead of the game 8-7. Both teams went back and forth with baskets throughout the majority of the half until just under six minutes to play in the half when the Polars jumped out in front by 11. The lead was quickly cut down to just one to end the half as Crown held the 30-29 lead. 

Four lead changes occurred over the course of the first ten minutes of the second half. The Polars allowed the Cougars to gain a four point lead but went on a 14-5 run resulting in Crown jumping back out in front 52-47. With just over a minute to play Morris inched ahead of Crown with a layup in the paint. One free throw from the Cougars and two free throws from Cade Carroll evened the score at 58-58 with 20 seconds left. With one possession remaining UM-Morris fired up a contested three point shot from about 25 feet and knocked it down taking the win 61-58.

Tyrus Buckner led the offense with 22 points and also led with 10 rebounds. Cade Carroll followed close behind with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Crown as a team just shot 28.8% from the field going 19-66 and 12% from three point range going 3-25. From the free throw line Crown found 17 points.

The Polars fall to 12-6 on the season and 5-3 in UMAC play and will next head to Mankato, Minnesota for a February 2nd, 7:15pm matchup with Bethany Lutheran.