Box Score
MORRIS, Minn. – Saint John's was out-scored 60-43 in the second half of a 96-87 loss at Minnesota-Morris on Thursday, Nov. 23.
The Johnnies (1-2, 0-0 MIAC) shot 71.4 percent (20-for-28) from the floor to build an eight-point halftime lead, 44-36, but Morris (2-1, 0-0 UMAC) made its first six shots of the second half, including three three-pointers, to gain a 15-3 run. SJU cut its deficit to two, 71-69, with 4:52 remaining, but the Cougars made their next three shots and ended the game 16-for-16 from the free-throw line.
Morris shot 76.2 percent from the field (16-for-21), including 8-for-10 from three-point range, and went 20-for-24 from the charity stripe in the second half alone.
Fouls were called by a 28-11 margin against SJU and the Cougars registered 40 free-throw attempts (30-for-40) to the Johnnies' nine (7-for-9) in the game. The Johnnies out-shot UMM 59.6 percent to 57.4 from the floor.
Sophomore
Alex Schmitt (Chaska, Minn./Waconia) topped his previous career-high of 22 points, set in Nov. 17's win over St. Scholastica, with 23 to lead SJU off the bench. Seniors
Jack Wittenborg (Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson) and
Kevin McKenzie (De Pere, Wis./Notre Dame Academy) added 15 and 14 points, respectively. Junior
Andy Jones (Excelsior, Minn./Minnetonka) totaled 10 points on a perfect 4-for-4 night from the floor in his first varsity appearance.
Cody Emrick led all scorers with 25 points, while Tyler Pendleton added 20. The two combined to go 8-for-12 from beyond the arc and 15-for-17 from the free-throw line.
Morris was picked to win the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) in the preseason coaches' poll released Oct. 29.
The game was the first for SJU without its top two returning scorers from last season. Senior
Seth Marx (Maple Grove, Minn./Benilde-St. Margaret's) suffered a knee injury during preseason practice, while sophomore
Mitchell Kuck (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) broke a bone in his foot during practice earlier this week (Nov. 19). The hope is for both to return following Christmas break.
The Johnnies play host to Wisconsin-River Falls for their home opener at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Sexton Arena in Collegeville.
