New Ulm, MN - The MLC men's basketball team earned its first win over Bethel University in school history Saturday evening, as the Knights defeated the Royals 88-83 in overtime. MLC thrillingly received the extra five minutes as Benjamin Pearson sent the game to overtime on a layup as he drove to the basket with just over five seconds left on the clock to make it 77-77 at the buzzer.

The contest was tight throughout, with 21 ties and 14 lead changes. Neither team had a lead bigger than four points in the first half when MLC went up 6-2. Bethel entered halftime up 37-34. Both teams shot nearly identical percentages from the floor in the opening half, with MLC shooting 51.9 percent and the Royals shooting 50 percent.

The second half featured more of the same back-and-forth action on the court, and MLC's go-to on offense was getting downhill toward the basket. Adam Loberger finished with 33 points and seven rebounds, while Pearson scored 20 points. Both players were fearless going to the rim, and Bethel simply had no answers to stop either of them from getting what they wanted at the hoop. The Knights dominated with points in the paint, scoring 52 of their 88 points from inside the key.

"I'm really proud of the effort and resiliency that our team showed tonight. We could've easily given up, especially after a few tough losses earlier this season. The guys made big plays at the right time. They worked hard in practice and were rewarded with a well-earned win," commented Head Coach Greg Holzhueter about his team's performance.

Down 74-66 with 2:02 remaining in regulation, the Knights strung together a 7-0 run to make it 74-73 with 14 seconds left. Ethan Kjenstad knocked down a couple of shots, and Luke Fix hit a pair of free throws to help keep MLC in it.

Leading up to Pearson's buzzer-beater, the sophomore hit a pair of free throws. Pearson did the same thing in overtime and sealed the game away at the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Loberger added a few baskets around the rim to set MLC up for success to start overtime.

Kjenstad added 11 points, while Benjamin Vasold grabbed eight rebounds.

MLC will be at home once more before Christmas Break, as they host Carleton on Tuesday, December 16, at 7 p.m.