Courtesy of Adam Hussman/MLC SID

MORRIS — The Martin Luther College men’s basketball team took on Minnesota Morris on the road in a matchup that doesn’t count towards the conference standings.

The Knights got off to a fast start in the first half and had a 46-34 lead at the break. However, both teams had opposite results on both ends of the court in the second half as the Cougars overcame the double-digit deficit to defeat MLC 88-81.

MLC shot over 58% from the field in the first half and had things clicking on offense. Over the last two minutes of the half, the Knights went on a 10-0 run to gain some separation from Minnesota Morris.

However, the Cougars entered the second half on a 12-3 run, which put them within a point (49-48) with around 14 minutes left. Both teams would trade leads over the course of the action from there and did so until 2:48 remaining when Matt Thompson connected on a 3-pointer to put the Cougars up 77-73. MLC would play the foul game to stop the clock and attempt to gain a few extra possessions, but Minnesota Morris calmly knocked down their free throws late and held on for a seven-point victory.

While holding the Cougars to under 40% in the first half, Morris hit their shots in the second, shooting over 56%. Minnesota Morris also hit five of their six 3-pointers in the second half.

MLC received production from multiple players in the lineup and outscored the Cougars 32-12 in bench points.

Sophomore Benjamin Pearson returned from a few games out due to injury and led MLC with 24 points, while Adam Loberger put up 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Benjamin Vasold also added 7 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

MLC will have over a week off until its next game, which will be played at Great Plains Lutheran High School in Watertown, South Dakota. The Knights will be the “home” team when they play Trinity Bible College on Wednesday, December 3, at 7:15 p.m.