Ashland, WI – The Northland College LumberJacks started their UMAC season in thrilling fashion on Friday evening, downing the Martin Luther College Knights 71-68.  The Jacks are now 1-8 on the year but more importantly, 1-0 in the UMAC.

The Knights took a five point lead into halftime and quickly extended their lead to as much as 12, but the Jacks came roaring back thanks in large part to strong efforts from Harley Shear and Jordan Brennan.  Shear had several key rebounds and blocks during the Jacks comeback run while Brennan shot lights out through the second half. 

"It was really great for our guys to get a win," commented Head Coach Scott Sorrenson.  "We have a process that that we go through each year and tonight was some of the proof that if we believe in that process and we're tough enough to get through that adversity we can accomplish our goals.  Harley and Kade Panich were huge for us off the bench on the defensive end and tonight I think that made the difference down the stretch."

Senior guard Ryan Rawlings and Brennan carried the Jacks offensively over the final three minutes as they combined for nine of the Jacks final 10 points.  Rawlings buried two key free throws with ten seconds left to give the Jacks a three point lead, forcing the Knights to try a contested three as the clock wound down.  Jacob Price nearly tied the game for the Knights as the clock expired, but his three was just off the mark which sealed the win for the Jacks. 

Brennan led all scorers with 23 points on 9-13 shooting.  Rawlings added 16 points and Shear had 11 points and seven rebounds. 

The Jacks are in action tomorrow when they host the Bethany Lutheran College Vikings at 4:45PM.