New Ulm, MN - The MLC men's basketball team shook off Friday's disappointing finish with a bounce-back home victory over another MIAC school in Saint Mary's
88-81. The Knights also avenged an overtime loss to the Cardinals from a season ago at their place.
MLC got it done at the free-throw line, hitting 18-of-19 (94 percent) from the charity stripe, including down the stretch when they needed it to hold off a Saint Mary's comeback.Â
The Knights also displayed nice ball movement in their half-court offense with crisp passing and execution on their sets and scored in the paint with ease to maintain the lead throughout the second half.
MLC took its first lead of the second half within the first minute of action after
Ethan Kjenstad connected on a triple. The Knights got out in transition as well. They outscored the Cardinals 14-6 in fast break opportunities, while also limiting Saint Mary's on the perimeter with a 3-point field goal percentage of 33 percent. On the flip side, MLC cashed in on 40 percent of its threes and shot nearly 50 percent from the field throughout the game.
Adam Loberger led all players with 29 points, seven rebounds, and went 7-of-8 from the line.
Benjamin Pearson finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and was a perfect 6-of-6Â from the free throw line, along with
Benjamin Vasold, who went 5-of-5. Vasold also pitched in 14 points and a game-high six assists, while Kjenstad scored 12 points.
MLC picked up its first win of the season and looks to add another victory in non-conference play when it goes to Lakeland University on Friday, November 14, at 7 p.m.
