The Cougars closed to with in three at 16-13 after a Matt Stenehjem basket at 12:23 of the first half, but could not cut into the deficit any further.
However, the Cougars would not go away either as UMC could not build a lead larger than nine the entire first half and after a pair of James Carr free-throws with :18 seconds left in the half, the Eagles would only lead by five at 44-39 at the half.
The Cougars Could not stop Amid Palmer of the Eagles as he was 4-6 from three-point range in the half and had 17 of his game high 30 at the break. He was seven of 11 from long range for the game with a few of those from NBA range.
Minnesota-Morris was able to keep the Crookston lead to just single digits through the first four minutes of the second half, but after shooting 46 percent from the field in their first five games, the Cougars shot just 35 percent (12-34) from the floor in the second half and for the game and could not get closer than four, as UMC began to increase the lead on the way to the win.
For the first time this season, the Cougars did not have at least four players in double figures.
Matt Stenehjem led the way with his first of the season and second career double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
Adam Sullivan added 11 and Corey Kelzenberg came off the bench with 10 and five assists. Kevin Cunniff had a game high seven assists for the Cougars.
UMC shot 52 percent from the field for the game and edged the Cougars on the boards, 49-40.
The Cougars are on the road tonight, Tuesday December 7th, as they take on another former NSIC rival in Southwest state University at 7:00 in Marshall.