NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College men's basketball team was unable to overcome a slow start in a 73-58 loss to Northland on Frday.

The Knights struggled throughout the first half, shooting 27.6 percent and committing 11 turnovers on the way to a 39-23 halftime deficit.

MLC would battle back in the second half, cutting the Lumberjacks' lead to nine points with 11:07 remaining, but was unable to get any closer the rest of the way as Northland pulled away late to secure the win.

The Knights shot 46.4 percent from the field in the second half, but struggled throughout the game from the free throw line (12-22). 

First-year transfer Austin DeNoyer had a strong debut, scoring 13 points and making all four of his attempts from the field to lead the team in scoring. Ian Paulsen finished with ten points, and also led the team with ten rebounds and three steals. Jeffrey Parker scored nine points and added a team-best three assists.

The Knights fell to 1-11 on the season and 0-6 in UMAC play in defeat, while Northland improved to 6-7 overall and 5-2 in league play.

MLC will return to action tomorrow (Saturday, January 7) when it hosts Finlandia in a game scheduled to start at 5 p.m.