HANCOCK, Mich. - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team defeated Finlandia University 56-43 thanks to a strong defensive effort on Sunday.

Both teams struggled from the field, but the Knights held Finlandia to 28.3 percent from the field and forced 14 turnovers in the win. MLC struggled from the outside, making just two of its 23 attempts from beyond the three-point arc, but took advantage of its size down low with 38 points in the paint compared to 12 for the Lions.

MLC led 27-23 at the half, and created distance in the third quarter by outscoring Finlandia 18-11 to build its lead into double digits before cruising to the win.

Faith Schroeder and Leah Nass finished in double figures with 11 and ten points, respectively. Schroeder also grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds.

Erin Schmeling struggled from the field to score her seven points, but added nine rebounds and four steals. Hailey Johnson also grabbed nine rebounds, helping the Knights finish with a 62-44 edge on the glass for the game.

With the win, MLC improved its record to 5-6, while Finlandia fell to 0-11 with the defeat.

The Knights will return to action on Friday, January 8, when they host North Central in a game scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.