NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team held off St. Scholastica for a big 61-58 win Friday night.

The Knights took control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring the Saints 21-10 on the way to a 32-24 halftime lead. 

CSS hung around, shooting 43.3 percent in the second half to keep within striking distance. The Saints tied the score 50-50 with 4:48 to play in the fourth quarter, but MLC responded with a 7-0 run, capped by a Grace Schultz three-pointer from the corner with 1:33 to play in the game to put CSS away.

MLC won the game in the paint, outscoring the Saints 30-22 and outrebounding them 52-43. The Knights struggled from the field, shooting only 29.9 percent, but outscored the Saints 19-6 at the free throw line.

Jade St. Germaine was a force down low for the Knights, scoring a team-best 17 points to go with 20 rebounds. This is the second time this season in UMAC play that St. Germaine grabbed at least 20 rebounds in a single game.

Mariah Schoof and Schultz provided the scoring on the perimeter with 15 points apiece. Schultz also added five assists and four steals, while Faith Schroeder grabbed nine rebounds to go with six points.

MLC improved to 2-8 overall and 2-2 in UMAC play with the win. CSS fell to 3-7 on the season and 2-2 in conference play in defeat.

The Knights will return to action tomorrow (Saturday, December 17) when they host UW-Superior in a game scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m.