LA CROSSE, Wis. - The Martin Luther College men's basketball team started strong before struggling offensively in a 73-41 loss at Viterbo.

BOX SCORE

The Knights started strong and built an early 20-14 lead, but were held to only two field goals in the final 10 minutes of the first half as the V-Hawks built a 35-25 lead going into the break.

MLC hung around to open the second half and still trailed by only 10 (46-36) with 10:14 to play in the game, but was held to two field goals in the final 10 minutes as the V-Hawks closed the game on a 27-5 run.

The Knights finished the game shooting just 27.3 percent from the field while Viterbo shot 46.4 percent. MLC also struggled at the charity stripe, making just two of 10 free throw attempts.

Ian Paulsen led the team with eight points to go with seven rebounds and two blocks. Gregory Heichelbech tied for the team lead with seven rebounds.

MLC dropped to 1-3 on the season with the loss. Viterbo improved to 6-3 with the win.

The Knights will return to action on Wednesday, November 28, when they host Luther College in a game scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m.