NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College men's basketball team was unable to overcome a poor first half in a 72-52 loss to Northwestern (Minn.) on Saturday.

The Knights struggled on both ends in the first 20 minutes, shooting 27.6 percent from the field while the Eagles shot 55.9 percent on the way to a 41-20 halftime edge.

MLC was better at both ends of the floor in the second half and outscored the Eagles over the final 20 minutes, but the halftime deficit was too big to overcome as the Eagles held on for the win.

The Knights made seven three-point field goals compared to only three for UNW, but the Eagles made the Knights pay for any miscues with 22 points off 12 MLC turnovers.

Austin DeNoyer was the lone MLC player to reach double figures with 12 points. Nate Lindloff and Joey Behm each scored nine points. Joshua Schroeder led the team with eight rebounds. 

MLC fell to 2-13 on the season and 1-6 in UMAC play in defeat. UNW improved to 6-9 overall and 5-2 in league play with the win.

The Knights will return to action on Wednesday, January 17, when thy travel to Crown College for a game scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m.