New Ulm, MN - The MLC men's basketball team put on its best overall team performance of the season on Tuesday against Carleton College. In a battle between two Knights, MLC finished on top in a high-scoring contest, 104-97.

The MLC Knights shot the ball at a very efficient rate, especially in the second half, when they shot almost 57 percent from the floor in the half. MLC not only had success in the paint on drives to the hoop, but they had their best shooting game of the year, shooting 8-of-13 (61.5 percent) from beyond the arc in the final 20 minutes. Their 3-point shooting proved to be critical, especially down the stretch, as they had an answer for Carleton's buckets. With the Carleton Knights up 92-91 with 1:44 to go, MLC responded right away with a corner 3-pointer made by Trey Lauber on a dish from Thomas Balge (94-91). MLC followed that shot up with a pair of 3-point daggers from Balge and Adam Loberger.

As the MLC Knights held a 100-95 lead with 19 seconds left, MLC continued to hit their free throws late again to finalize the victory. The win comes off the heels of MLC's first win in school history over another MIAC school, Bethel University (88-83), on Saturday. 

MLC hit several team highs in the win over Carleton, including points (104) and points in a half (62). It was also the Knights' cleanest game of the season, committing only four turnovers in the game. Their previous low was seven turnovers heading into the game.

While Carleton also shot well from the field and earned 38 points from Matt Drake, MLC made big plays on defense near the rim in the second half. The MLC Knights were also active, crashing the glass with 12 offensive rebounds, and Luke Fix had a notable offensive board, bringing down a missed shot off the rim with a dunk to go up 79-74 around the 6:30 mark.

MLC had five players finish in double figures. Benjamin Pearson made timely plays on both ends of the court and totaled 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Loberger scored 25 points and had nine rebounds, while Balge (17 points) got into a good rhythm and played his best game since being back from injury. Ethan Kjenstad (14 points) and Lauber (10 points) were the other MLC players who contributed heavily toward the outcome. Fix (8 rebounds) and Benjamin Vasold (3 steals) also played well, especially on the defensive side.

MLC now has a few weeks off until it gets back onto the court after the Holidays. The Knights will be in an exhibition game against St. Cloud State on Sunday, January 4, at 2 p.m.