Mankato, MN - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team took on its rival Bethany Lutheran on Wednesday evening and looked to go 5-0 in conference play with a win. Despite a hot start in the first five minutes of the game, where MLC went up 12-2, the Vikings countered back and defeated the Knights 74-57.

MLC held the lead for much of the first half and were up by as many as 14 points in the second quarter (28-14) with just under seven minutes left in the half. However, from that point on, the Vikings got into a rhythm offensively and shot almost 70 percent from the field in the second quarter. Bethany also ramped up their pressure and closed out the remainder of the half on a 21-5 run to take a 35-33 lead at the break.

Bethany's defensive pressure played a big role in starting the second half, and as a result, the Knights shot under 20 percent from the field in the third quarter. The Vikings would take a 58-44 lead heading into the fourth quarter following a 3-pointer from the short corner.

Bethany spread it out throughout their squad and its bench scored 34 points to aid their victory over MLC. The Vikings also were effective in the paint, outscoring MLC 42-28 in that area.

Mya Morris had a team-high in points (15) and steals (3), while Emma Dorn delivered 14 points and six boards.

MLC (10-5 Overall, 4-1 UMAC) has a chance to bounce back on Saturday, January 25, when the Knights host Northland College at 2:45 p.m.