New Ulm, MN - The MLC men's basketball team returned to action for their second game of the season, when they played MSOE at home on Saturday afternoon. The two teams previously met last season in Milwaukee, where the Raiders defeated MLC 85-45. On Saturday, the Knights showed much improvement against the Raiders and found themselves within seven points at intermission (44-37). However, MLC wasn't able to overcome a 15-0 scoring run from MSOE in the span of five minutes and the Raiders defeated the Knights
85-72.
The Raiders found separation from their play in transition and looked to run off of turnovers or defensive rebounds. MSOE outscored MLC 16-2 in fastbreak points and the Raiders capitalized off of MLC turnovers led 22-8 in that area as well.
The guard play of Mason Dopirak (17 points, 6 rebounds) and Donovan Carter gave MSOE their groove on offense, as both players found penetration to the rim throughout the game.
The Knights were able to get some positive production offensively though themselves and showed flashes of improvement on that end of the court. MLC also had a more balanced scoring attack from its personnel, with three players scoring in double figures.
Seth Veers had a team-high 17 points and showcased his ability to get to the basket from wherever on the court. Freshman
Trey Lauber emerged as an offensive threat in just his second collegiate game and finished with 16 points and nine rebounds on 60 percent shooting from the floor.
Ethan Kjenstad would chip in with 11 points and shot 50 percent from three-point territory.
The Knights as a team shot 42.9 percent from the field, while the Raiders went 47.5 percent, including 33.3 percent (8-of-24) from beyond the arc.
MLC (0-2) will now head up to St. Paul for their first road game of the season when they take on Hamline on Tuesday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m.
