NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College men's basketball team was unable to overcome a slow start in an 86-62 loss to St. Scholastica on Wednesday.

The Saints jumped on top early with a 13-2 run within the opening four minutes, but the Knights were able to cut the deficit to eight (41-33) at the half thanks to 10 first-half points from Ian Paulsen.

CSS kept up the pressure in the second half, holding off the MLC offense to start the period and then putting the game away with a 14-2 run midway through the half. 

The Saints hurt the Knights throughout the game from beyond the arc, making 12 of 35 attempts from three-point range. MLC made six three-pointers in the game, but was also out-rebounded 42-35 and was unable to slow down the CSS offense inside.

Austin DeNoyer led MLC with a season-high 13 points off the bench. Jared Ruffin also had a strong game off the bench with nine points. Paulsen was held scoreless in the second half and finished with 10 points to go with five rebounds, five assists and two blocks.

The Knights fell to 1-11 overall and 1-4 in UMAC play in defeat. CSS improved to 6-6 on the season and 3-2 in league play with the win.

MLC will return to action on Saturday, January 6, when it hosts Maranatha Baptist in a non-conference game scheduled to tip off at 5 p.m.