New Ulm, MN - MLC men's basketball displayed great efficiency in its 87-72 victory over Northwestern Saturday afternoon in the LSC.

MLC shot the ball very well from the floor in the first half (51.4 percent) and continued at a similar rate in the second half, finishing with a 49.3 percentage. With a 48-35 lead at half, MLC owned the glass with a 26-11 edge in rebounds and also replicated the same result in the second half, outrebounding the Eagles 43-27.

MLC utilized the mid-range game well throughout the game with Benjamin Pearson and Adam Loberger hitting on a high percentage of their pull-up jumpers.

The Knights lost to Northwestern on the road back in mid-January 87-65. Japheth Nyamari was the X-factor in Northwestern's win then and the point guard still had 30 of the Eagles' 72 points today, but the Knights kept everybody else in check, not allowing for much production beyond Nyamari.

Loberger and Pearson were vital towards MLC's success, with both of them shooting 50 percent, while making winning plays defensively as well. Loberger led the squad with 28 points and 13 rebounds, while Pearson also recorded a double-double with 21 points, 12 boards, and two steals. Luke Fix scored a career high 16 points on 70 percent shooting, making an impact in the post for the Knights. Meanwhile, fellow seniors Thomas Balge (10 points, 4 assists) and Ethan Kjenstad (9 points, 5 rebounds) came up with critical buckets in the second half to keep the Knights ahead by double-digits.

MLC will now go to Mankato for a 7:15 p.m. tip at Bethany on Wednesday, February 4.