NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College men's basketball team defeated UW-Superior 58-53 Saturday with the help of a strong defensive effort in the second half.

The Knights led 27-25 with 6:38 to play in the first half, but made only one field goal the rest of the half as the Yellowjackets grabbed a 36-30 halftime lead.

Defense brought the Knights back in the second half as they held UWS to only six field goals and 25 percent shooting in the final 20 minutes. 

After holding UWS to only six points in the first 12:15 of the second half, MLC pulled ahead for good with just under six minutes to play. Nate Lindloff provided the key shot down the stretch as he nailed a three-pointer from the corner off an Ian Paulsen assist to double the Knights' lead (52-46) with just over one minute to play in the game. Lindloff added four clutch free throws in the final minute to help secure the win.

The Knights struggled at times to finish from the outside or in the paint, shooting 36.7 percent from the field, but committed only nine turnovers and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds to give themselves extra chances at the rim.

Richard Eckmann and Lindloff each finished 12 points to lead MLC, while Paulsen added 11 points and nine rebounds. Ethan Eisenmann tied Paulsen for the team lead with nine rebounds.

The Knights improved to 4-6 on the season and 2-2 in UMAC play with the win. UWS fell to 2-9 overall and 1-3 in league play in defeat.

MLC will return to action tomorrow (Sunday, December 16) when it travels to Marian for a game scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m.