Staff photo by Steve Muscatello Martin Luther College’s Richard Eckmann (5) takes a shot as Bryce Cashner of Maranatha Baptist defends during the first half Saturday at MLC in New Ulm. For more photos of this event go to cu.nujournal.com

NEW ULM — Austin DeNoyer’s 3-point shot with 36.4 seconds remaining lifted Martin Luther College to a 56-54 win over Maranatha Baptist College on Saturday in a nonconference mens’ basketball game. It was MLC’s second win of the season.

After Joey Behm got an offensive rebound, Nate Lindloff fed the ball to DeNoyer for the winning shot. Richard Eckmann made an insurance free throw with 8 seconds left.

Maranatha got the ball back and tried one final shot, but it was not good.

MLC led most of the second half. The Sabercats tied the contest at 46-46 on a free throw and took the lead on a 3-point shot by Micah Shepard. Maranatha led for awhile as the game was winding down. MLC put together key rebounding and scoring to set up DeNoyer and Behm’s heroics.

“The pressure defense made them uncomfortable,” MLC coach Greg Holzhueter said.

Holzhueter was proud of how much effort his team showed. He was pleased with the Knights’ grit, determination and rebounding. MLC had a total of 49 rebounds.

The Knights started out well when they held a 29-17 advantage at halftime. Maranatha didn’t help itself, making only 7 of 28 shots for 25 percent from the field. From the free throw line, the Sabercats were only 50 percent.

Eckmann scored two baskets, a free throw and a 3-pointer and DeNoyer had a basket to boost MLC’s lead to 21-10 in the first half.

“We know we have to play 40 minutes,” Holzhueter said. ” It was fun to see them perform, working hard and playing with grit and intensity.”

DeNoyer ended up with 17 points and added 11 rebounds for MLC. Eckmann added 12 points with nine rebounds and Nate Lindloff had 10 points. Ian Paulsen had 7 points, eight rebounds, five assist and two steals for the Knights.

MLC (2-11) will host the University of Minnesota Morris on Wednesday.