Men’s basketball

MANKATO — The Martin Luther College men’s basketball team lost 81-69 at Bethany Lutheran College on Wednesday.

The Vikings jumped on top from the opening tip with a 10-0 run, but MLC came back to cut the deficit to 4 before BLC took a 42-33 lead at the half.

MLC was unable to get the deficit under 7 before the Vikings pushed the lead back into double figures down the stretch.

Richard Eckmann led MLC with 18 points and nine rebounds. Austin DeNoyer added 16 points, while Joshua Schroeder led the Knights’ bench with 10 points. Ian Paulsen was held to 9 points but blocked six shots and added six rebounds.

MLC fell to 2-16 overall and 1-9 in UMAC play in defeat. The Knights host UW-Superior at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Women’s basketball

MANKATO — The Martin Luther College women’s basketball team lost 85-71 at Bethany Lutheran College on Wednesday.

Seniors Jade St. Germaine and Grace Schultz each put together strong performances for the Knights, combining for 51 points on 20-34 shooting and 22 rebounds.

MLC opened with a 25-18 lead after the first quarter, but the Vikings outscored MLC 27-9 on the way to a 45-34 halftime lead.

The Vikings had an early 5-0 run to open the final period, which helped put the Knights away down the stretch.

Schultz led all players with 26 points to go with nine rebounds, five assists and three steals. St. Germaine finished with 25 points and 13 boards.

MLC fell to 5-14 overall and 3-7 in UMAC play in defeat.

The Knights host UW-Superior at 5 p.m. on Saturday next.