MANKATO, Minn.– The Bethany Lutheran men's basketball team (5-5 overall) compiled a strong second half effort, but it wasn't quite enough as nonconference opponent Carleton (3-4) won 97-91 Monday.

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The Knights took the 45-37 lead at halftime, but the Vikings fought back to take the lead at 83-82 with 3:56 remaining in the contest. The lead would change hands twice before it was knotted 85 all with 2:20 to play.

Carleton made a layup and the free throw to complete a three-point play to take the lead once more. Junior Jared Milinkovich (New Prague, Minn.) sliced the margin to one on his layup but the Knights answered with a trey with 1:24 left and never lost hold of the lead.  

Milinkovich was one of five BLC players in double digits with 23 points. Junior Brian Smith (Brooklyn Park, Minn.) had 19, sophomore Cire Mayfield (St. Louis Park, Minn.) had 12, while senior Trenton Krueger (Eagan, Minn.) and junior Trevin Nelson (Chisago Lakes, Minn.) both had 11.

Mayfield had a double double with his team-best 10 assists.

Bethany won the battle of the offensive rebounds (6-4), assists (21-14) and the steals were even at nine each.

The Vikings are off from competition until Saturday, Dec. 28 at California Lutheran's tournament against Messiah College.