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Defense Leads MLC to Win over Vikings in UMAC Opener
NEW ULM, Minn. – The MLC women’s basketball used a stingy defense to beat Bethany Lutheran 64-54 Tuesday night in the opening game of the UMAC season.
Emily Boldt had six blocks in MLC's win over BLC
The Knights struggled offensively at times, shooting 31.3 percent from the field for the game and going 0-11 from beyond the three-point arc, but made up for it by holding Bethany to just 24.3 percent shooting for the game and forcing 14 turnovers.
MLC also had a big night at the free throw line, going 22-26 from the charity stripe.
The first half was a defensive struggle, with neither team shooting above 25 percent as the Vikings took a 23-20 halftime lead.
The MLC offense got going in the second half, as the Knights shot 43.8 percent after the break, and went 16-19 from the free throw line to help seal the win late.
Erica Babinec led the Knights with 18 points despite struggling from the floor due to a 10-10 night on free throws. Babinec also played a strong all-around game, grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out four assists without a turnover. Brittney Gossen added 11 poitns and nine rebounds.
Emily Boldt was a force down low for the Knights, blocking six shots and helping to hold BLC’s leading scorer Jessica Englund to 6-23 shooting for the game.
With the win, MLC improved to 6-5 overall and 1-0 in the UMAC season, while BLC dropped to 1-11 on the season and 0-1 in conference play.
MLC will return to action on Friday, January 13, when they face Northland in a game scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.