Courtesy of Adam

Hussman/MLC SID

MEN’S BASKETBALL

MLC 65, Trinity Bible 61

WATERTOWN, SD — The Knights took on Trinity Bible College (North Dakota) and survived a comeback from the Lions to win 65-61 at Great Plains Lutheran High School on Wednesday night.

MLC had trouble getting into the lane and getting high-quality shots off to start the game, as the Lions’ defense was long and athletic with their zone. After struggling to score 10 minutes into the game, MLC settled in and got their offense together and came back from a 21-11 deficit with a 24-7 run to close out the first half.

With MLC up 35-28 heading into the second half, the Knights extended their lead to as many as 19 points after Benjamin Pearson tipped a shot back in (57-38) with 9:01 remaining.

However, Trinity fought their way back into it and forced multiple turnovers, which led to easy transition points for the Lions. Within a moment’s notice, Trinity went on a 22-0 run to eventually recapture its first lead since the 7-minute mark of the first half.

Despite the comeback from Trinity, MLC was able to regroup and grab the lead back from a 3-pointer and a blocked shot from Ethan Kjenstad, who came back to play at his high school. MLC knocked down a few more free throws after going up 62-60 and hung on for the 65-61 win. Neither team shot the ball at a high clip, but the Knights out-rebounded Trinity 58-31 and shot well from the free-throw line to overcome 29 turnovers.

Adam Loberger (21 points, 12 rebounds) and Pearson (18 points, 13 rebounds) each had double-double performances. Kjenstad added 12 points and six boards, while Luke Fix was active on the glass, finishing with 14 rebounds.

MLC will now host Spurgeon College on Friday, December 5, at 7 p.m.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MLC 84, Trinity Bible 52

WATERTOWN, SD — The MLC women’s basketball made the three-hour trip west to Great Plains Lutheran High School in Watertown, South Dakota, for a matchup against Trinity Bible College (North Dakota) on Wednesday night. MLC played on GPLHS’s home court and had no trouble defeating the Lions, winning in blowout fashion 84-52 Wednesday.

After the first couple of minutes, the Knights got into the face of Trinity and kept its defensive pressure ramped up the entire way, no matter who was on the court. MLC took a 30-12 lead after the first period and made it 39-24 at the break.

After a second quarter in which MLC struggled to shoot from the floor, the Knights made up for it in the third period, shooting 52 percent. It was here that the Knights truly separated themselves and put the contest out of reach.

The Knights forced numerous turnovers and hard passes by the Lions, and had 38 turnovers as a team. MLC made the most of those opportunities as well, scoring 45 points off of turnovers. MLC also shared the ball well offensively, finishing with a season-high in assists (20).

MLC had balanced scoring from its starting five and had four players finish in double figures. Mya Morris led all players in points (20) and assists (6), while also finishing with three steals.

Lydia Feidt had another impressive outing all around, scoring 19 points while adding nine rebounds and six steals. She shot 67% from the floor. Wilhelmina Wenz also recorded 19 points and collected six boards with a pair of steals. Ava Stein had 10 points and five rebounds.

MLC will now play Maranatha Baptist on Saturday, December 6, when they face the Sabercats for a second time at 1 p.m.