Morris, Minn. – The Polars traveled to Morris on Wednesday night and came up just short in a one-point thriller, falling 71–70 to a Cougar team that was picked first in the preseason coaches' poll.

Crown took an early lead and held it for much of the first quarter, but four quick Cougar points in the final minute tied the game at 16 at the end of the opening frame. The Cougars controlled the second quarter and took a 43–32 lead into halftime.

The Polars responded in the third quarter, shooting 46% from the floor and winning the period by seven to cut the deficit to just four heading into the fourth. Crown tied the game late in the final quarter and had multiple opportunities to secure its first conference win, but ultimately came up just short in the final seconds.

An exciting contest was decided by a single point, as the Polars turned in their most efficient offensive performance of the season, shooting 41% from the floor and 41% from three-point range.

Brayli Reimer led all scorers with 24 points on 50% shooting, going 3-for-5 from beyond the arc. She also added four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Morgan Bednarek recorded another double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds, while also contributing three steals and shooting 7-for-8 from the free-throw line.

Kendall Clark and Brekyn Hanson provided a spark off the bench. Clark finished with nine points on 3-for-6 shooting, all from three-point range, while Hanson added eight points, including a 2-for-3 effort from beyond the arc.

After an extremely promising outing from a young Polars squad, Crown will remain on the road Saturday as it travels to North Central University. The Polars return home on Wednesday, February 11, for their final three games of the regular season.