NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team was unable to hold off the Crown College Storm in the final quarter of a 69-51 loss on Wednesday.

The Knights got off to a great start at 10-3 early, but the Storm came back to tie the game 12-12 heading into the second period. Crown then started to take control of the game and built a 27-22 lead at the half.

The two teams battled back and forth in the third quarter, but the Storm still held a five-point advantage heading into the fourth and final quarter. In that that final period, the Storm outscored MLC 25-12 to build its lead into double digits and secure the win.

Crown was very efficient from the field in the second half, shooting 57.1 percent from the field and 8-10 from the free throw line. MLC struggled on the offensive end, shooting 26.2 percent overall and 3-20 from beyond the three-point arc. 

Faith Otte led the way for MLC with 14 points. Emily Witkowski and Sarah Dewey joined her in double figures with 13 and 10 points, respectively. Witkowski also led the team with eight rebounds. Otte led the team with four steals.

MLC fell to 1-15 on the season and 1-7 in UMAC play in defeat. Crown improved to 3-13 overall and 1-7 in league play with the win.

The Knights will return to action on Saturday, January 19, when they travel to Northland College for a game scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m.