MANKATO, Minn. - Bethany men's basketball erased a 15-point second half deficit but was unable to take the lead in a 77-73 loss to Martin Luther on Wednesday night. The Vikings drop to 11-10 overall and 4-4 on the UMAC. 

The Vikings' only lead came just two minutes into the game on a Brady Ingersoll jumper at 5-4 and the Knights held the advantage for the remainder of the half. The Knights outscored the Vikings 23-13 in the final 10 minutes of the half for a 45-33 lead at the break. 

Martin Luther gained its largest lead of 15 points on a three to open the second half before the home squad started its comeback bid. A three by Will Walter at the 14:15 mark got the difference to single digits at 51-42 and a free throw by Jack Brockmann with 7:07 left tied the game at 60. The Vikings tied the game once more at 62 on a jumper by Brockmann, but the Knights took the lead for good on the following possession. 

Max Briggs scored a game-high 29 points on 50 percent shooting, while going 4-for-7 from beyond the arc. He also had five rebounds, four steals, and was a perfect 7-for-7 from the line. Brockmann followed with 17 points and a team-high eight rebounds. 

The Vikings were limited to 39.3 percent from the floor, while the Knights shot a season-high 57.7 percent. Rebounds were even at 32 apiece. 

Bethany is off Saturday and returns to the court next Wednesday night at Northwestern-St. Paul. 
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