NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College men's basketball team lost its final non-conference game of the season 72-68 to Finlandia on Friday.

The Knights led 38-35 at the half thanks to 45.5 percent shooting from the field, but the Lions' zone defense made a big difference. 

MLC shot 29.4 percent in the second half, struggling to shoot and make passes over the length of the Finlandia defense on the perimeter. 

The Lions took the lead early in the half, but MLC was able to pull back ahead in 64-63 on a Michael Paulsen three-pointer with 3:27 to play in the game.

Finlandia would respond, however, scoring four straight to take a three-point lead, and then made its free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

MLC held the Lions to 41.3 percent shooting and forced 19 turnovers, but was outrebounded 50-34 in the game. 

T.J. Babinec and Todd Brassow led MLC with 18 points apiece. Paulsen added 15 points to go with seven steals and four assists.

The Knights fell to 1-19 on the season in defeat. Finlandia improved its record to 4-15 with the win.

MLC will return to action tomorrow (Saturday, February 6) when it hosts Northland College in the home finale.