NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team was unable to hold a late lead in a 58-54 loss to Bethany Lutheran on Saturday.

The Knights controlled the first half, leading 27-23 at the break after holding the Vikings to 28.0 percent from the field in the first two quarters. 

The Vikings began to find the range in the third quarter, however, and outscored the Knights 19-14 to take a 42-41 lead into the fourth quarter.

In the final stanza, the Knights started strong and took a 48-44 advantage following a Mariah Schoof three-pointer with 6:15 to play, but the Vikings tied the game 50-50 with just under three minutes to play, and then took the lead for good with 2:29 left in the game.

The Knights had several chances to tie or take the lead in the final minutes, but made only two field goals in the final six minutes. 

The teams were even on the stat sheet in most categories, but the Vikings did hold a 14-7 edge in made free throws to help push the game in their control.

Schoof and Grace Schultz led MLC with 12 points apiece. Jade St. Germaine grabbed a team-high nine rebounds, while Erin Schmeling finished with four assists.

MLC fell to 9-10 on the season and 5-6 in UMAC play in defeat. BLC improved to 10-9 overall and 7-4 in league play with the win.

The Knights will return to action on Friday, February 5, when they host Finlandia. That game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m.