Box Score NEW ULM, Minn. --- After a tough non-conference schedule, the Bethany men's basketball opened up UMAC play Saturday against rival Martin Luther in New Ulm. Jacob Wensmann recorded a double-double, but it wasn't enough as the Vikings fell to the Knights 69-56.

The game started well for Bethany. After Martin Luther scored the first four points, the Vikings went on a 9-0 spurt to take a five-point lead. Chris Scarver connected on two jumpers to end the spurt.

The Knights, however, countered with a 10-0 run of their own to regain the lead 14-9. MLC would extend that lead to 30-20 at the break.

Wensmann hit a 3 four minutes into the second half to cut the deficit to six, but that was as close as Bethany got.

Wensmann led BLC with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Scarver was the other Viking player in double figures with ten points and he dished out five assists.

The Vikings (1-11, 0-1 in UMAC) return to the Sports and Fitness Center Friday for the conference home opener when they entertain North Central at 5:30 p.m.