Box Score

MORRIS, Minn. – Saint John's basketball improved to 6-1 with a 77-60 non-conference win at Minnesota-Morris on Monday, Dec. 7, in Morris.

The Johnnies (6-1, 1-1 MIAC) shot 46.8 percent (29-for-62) from the field, but just 36.7 percent (11-for-30) from three-point range. SJU made only three of its first 13 shots in the game, but closed the first half 10 of 16 from the floor. 

UMM (3-3, 1-0 UMAC) entered the game averaging 80.6 points per contest with a .502 shooting percentage (151-for-301) in its first five games this season.

The home team closed the first half with a 7-2 run to cut the Johnnies' lead to 38-28 at the break. SJU ended the game with 24 points off 17 Cougar turnovers, including 13 points off eight miscues in the first half alone.

SJU's lead was as little as five (54-49) with 9:16 remaining, but the visitors ended the game on a 23-11 run.

Senior guard Alex Schmitt (Waconia, Minn.) led all scorers with 20 points, 10 points in each half, for his third 20-point game of the season and 14th of his career.

Senior wing Joe Risinger (Shorewood, Minn./Minnetonka) collected 12 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore guard Patrick Strom (Fargo, N.D./Shanley) added 11 points, including nine on three treys on consecutive possessions in the first half.

Freshman guard David Stokman (Maple Lake, Minn.) posted 11 points and four steals off the bench.

C.D. Douglas led the Cougars with 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists and six steals. UMM went 2-for-16 from three-point range in the game, including a 0-for-6 performance in the second half.

The Johnnies return to MIAC play with a 7 p.m. game at Hamline (3-3, 1-0 MIAC) on Wednesday, Dec. 9, in St. Paul.