UMAC Game of the Week: Minnesota Morris vs. Northland - Men's Basketball
The UMAC Game of the Week runs each week during the conference regular season and breaks down one key matchup from one sport.
The Matchup
Saturday, Feb. 16 - Northland College at University of Minnesota Morris, men's basketball, 4:45 p.m. in Morris, Minnesota
What's at Stake
- Playoff berth - It's pretty simple - win and you're in. The winner of Saturday's game will advance to the UMAC men's basketball postseason tournament as the No. 5 seed. The losing team will not advance. A win for Northland would put the LumberJacks at 8-8 in conference play while a win for Minnesota Morris would tie both teams at 7-9. The Cougars win the tiebreaker (criteria c) with two wins against teams above in the standings as opposed to just one for the 'Jacks.
- Playoff history - Two years ago, Northland edged out Minnesota Morris by a game to finish as the No. 4 seed. The Cougars then upset the 'Jacks in the quarterfinals of the playoffs. Last year, the Cougars lost the Lumberjacks in the final game of the year but still ended up a game ahead to keep the LumberJacks out of the postseason. Northland took the opening game of the season series at home and the Cougars have a chance to even the seires at home.
Previously in Action
- Minnesota Morris suffered a tough road loss to UMAC champion University of Northwestern 88-65 Wednesday.
- Northland's late-game surge Wednesday wasn't enough in a 94-86 loss at home to the College of St. Scholastica.
Need to Know
- Postseason streak - The Cougars have qualified for the UMAC men's basketball postseason tournament every year since joining the conference in 2003. The LumberJacks are looking to qualify for their second appearance in the last three seasons.
- Close calls - The LumberJacks have won just two of their last six games, but five of those have been decided by single digits.
Players to Watch - Minnesota Morris
- Noah Grove, Sr., G - All-UMAC last season; UMAC Stats: 17.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 39.2 FG%, 2.8 apg
- Jeffrey Halverson, Sr., F - UMAC Stats: 12.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 0.7 bpg
- James Pendleton, So., G - UMAC Stats: 11.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.5 apg, 0.9 spg
Players to Watch - Northland
- Ben Arqueros, Sr., G - UMAC Stats: 11.7 ppg, 2.1 apg, 1.5 spg
- Modesta Britten, Jr., G/F - UMAC Stats: 18.9 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 58.3 FG%, 2.5 apg, 0.9 bpg, 1.2 spg
- Brandon Galland, Sr., G - UMAC Stats: 14.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 44.8 FG% 2.7 apg, 1.6 spg
This game will be a "can't miss." Keep up with the
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2018-19 Game of the Week Archives