NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team was unable to keep pace in the second half of a 65-49 loss to Minnesota Morris on Wednesday.

The Knights took a 37-35 lead into the half following a back-and-forth first two periods. MLC shot 41.2 percent from the field and made five three-pointers on the way to a two-point halftime edge. 

The second half was another story, as the Cougars held MLC to only 12 points after the break. UMM took control in the third quarter, outscoring MLC 17-5 and taking a 10-point edge into the final period. In the fourth quarter, The Knights were held to seven points as the Cougars distanced themselves on the way to the win.

MLC finished the game shooting 25.7 percent from the field and made six of 20 attempts from beyond the three-point arc. The Knights' defensive pressure forced 21 UMM turnovers, but the Cougars shot 46.9 percent from the field for the game while also outscoring MLC 16-7 at the free throw line.

Seniors Jade St. Germaine and Grace Schultz led MLC with 13 points apiece. Schultz also led the team with five steals. Faith Otte made a pair of three-pointers in the first half and finished with six points.

The Knights fell to 4-10 on the season and 2-4 in UMAC play in defeat. UMM improved to 4-10 overall and 4-2 in league play with the win.

MLC will return to action on Saturday, January 13, when it hosts Northwestern in a game scheduled to tip off at 5 p.m.