NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College battled Crown to the final buzzer in front of the biggest and loudest crowd of the season, but fell just short in a 79-77 defeat. 

The Knights competed hard on both ends, but fell short at the free throw line, making just 12 of 28 attempts for the game.

MLC had a chance to tie the game at the line in the final minute, but made one of two attempts. The Knights also had a shot to win the game at the buzzer, but TJ Babinec's three-pointed just missed off the rim as time expired.

The Storm held a seven-point lead at the half, but the Knights battled back to take a 63-62 lead with 10:31 to play thanks to a Babinec three-point play.

Crown took the lead back and held the Knights at bay thanks to 16 second half points from Crown center Austin VanDerHeyden, but the Knights tied the game at 76-76 with 1:44 to play.

VanderHeyden put the Storm ahead with a two-point basket with 54 seconds to play, and the Storm held off the last MLC charge in the final seconds to secure the win.

Ian Paulsen was a constant presence for MLC on both ends of the court, finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds, seven blocks and five assists. The seven blocks set a new career high. 

Babinec also had a strong offensive performance, scoring 17 points and making three of his six attempts from beyond the three-point arc. Jeffrey Parker and Austin DeNoyer scored 14 and 11 points, respectively, off the bench.

MLC fell to 1-18 on the season and 0-11 in UMAC play in defeat. Crown improved to 7-12 overall and 5-6 in league play with the win.

The Knights will return to action on Friday, February 3, when they travel to UW-Superior for a game scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.