New Ulm, MN - The women's basketball game between the Martin Luther College Knights and Northwestern Eagles on Wednesday evening was picked as the UMAC Game of the Week as they both entered the contest atop the UMAC standings and it lived up to its billing with the Knights holding off a Northwestern comeback in Overtime 72-68.

MLC shot lights out in the game's opening period as the Knights drilled five 3-pointers and shot 8-for-16 on 50 percent shooting. As a result, MLC took a 23-12 lead following the first quarter but would come down to earth in the second period as the Eagles held the Knights to just seven points and trimmed their deficit to 30-27.

The Knights maintained the lead against Northwestern throughout the third period and grew their advantage to 47-39 following a bucket in the paint from Emma Dorn and a 3-pointer from the top of the key by Lydia Feidt.

Feidt made it a 10-point game (49-39) when the junior followed her own shot and converted on a layup. The Knights' next points came off of two Mya Morris 3-pointers, keeping the Eagles at a 10-point distance (55-45). 

However, Northwestern wouldn't quit and slowly chipped away at their deficit as they played the foul game, forcing some MLC turnovers down the stretch. Northwestern was down by seven points (59-52) with just 41 seconds left but hit a trio of 3-pointers, while the Knights split three of their final trips to the free-throw line. Taylor Christenson hit two of them with 19 and four seconds, respectively, and the contest would go into Overtime due to the Northwestern run.

Despite the comeback, MLC regained its composure in front of its home fans and forced the Eagles into tough shots in the extra five minutes, as Northwestern shot 2-for-9 from the field.

Ava Stein had a couple of strong finishes near the hoop to lift the Knights offensively in Overtime and the freshman gave MLC a 71-65 lead that ultimately made it too much for Northwestern to overcome once again.

Feidt notched her first double-double of the season and had a season-high in points (16), rebounds (10), and blocks (2). Dorn also recorded a double-double (10 points, 12 rebounds). Morris totaled 19 points and made five 3-pointers, while Stein finished with 12 points and six rebounds.

With the win, MLC improves to 9-4 overall, 3-0 UMAC, and remains undefeated at home (6-0). The Knights have a chance to stand alone atop the UMAC standings after Saturday, January 18 when they host UW-Superior at 4:45 p.m. MLC and the Yellowjackets are currently tied for first in the conference at this moment.