NEW ULM, Minn. - Bethany men's basketball dropped a 78-72 decision at Martin Luther on Wednesday night, falling to 9-8 overall and 2-2 in the UMAC.
The Knights had a strong second half, shooting nearly 60 percent from the floor after making just 9-of-32 shots in the first. The Vikings erased an early 8-3 deficit with a 14-1 run, which was sparked by a Will Walter three. Another trey by Walter at the 6:46 mark gave the Vikings their largest lead of 11 points (30-19) before the home team ended the half on a 10-3 run, making the score 33-29 after 20 minutes of play.
The game turned into a seesaw battle in the second with seven lead changes and seven ties. A layup by Walter with 6:33 remaining tied the game at 58-58, but the Knights answered on the ensuing possession and never relinquished the lead. Walter hit another clutch three with 3:57 on the clock the cut the deficit to one, but that was the closest the visitors got in the six-point loss.
Walter led the way with 20 points, shooting 6-of-16 from long range. Max Briggs added 18 points, four steals, and three assists, while Jack Brockmann posted 12 points and a team-high six rebounds.
The Vikings were out-rebounded 44-33 and shot 34.3 percent from the floor.
Bethany returns home Saturday afternoon to host North Central.
