NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team could not overcome a bad start in an 83-44 loss to University of Northwestern-St. Paul (UNW) on Friday.

The Eagles were in control from the start, making 12 of 14 shots from the field (including three of four from beyond the three-point arc) on the way to a 29-5 lead after the first period.

The Knights battled back, out-scoring the Eagles 20-14 in the second quarter, but still trailed 43-25 at halftime, and could not find their way back into the game in the second half.

MLC struggled offensively against a UNW zone, shooting 23.7 percent from the field and 23.1 percent (6-26) from distance.

UNW countered with an efficient night offensively, shooting 50.0 perent  and committing only 12 turnovers.

Emma Nelson was the lone MLC player in double figures with 12 points, and also led the team with eight rebounds. 

MLC fell to 4-10 on the season and 1-3 in UMAC play in defeat. UNW improved to 6-4 overall and 1-0 in league play with the win.

The Knights will return to action on Friday, January 21, when they travel to Crown College for a game scheduled to start at 7:15 p.m.