ASHLAND, Wis. – The Northland College Men's Basketball team was defeated 65-55 by Martin Luther College in their final game in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference play on Saturday afternoon in Ashland, Wis. Senior Jahlani Thornton set a program-high 20 rebounds in the team's final game.
 
Before the game, Thornton, Tyler Tuura, Stephen Kesti, Ridge Guyette, and Jaden Jones were all recognized as part of Senior Day.
 


It was a battle from the start, with both teams trading baskets. Kesti gave the Jacks their first points with the game's first three-pointer. Thornton and Damian Cejka helped the LumberJacks keep pace by scoring in the paint. After back-to-back threes, the Knights gained a seven-point advantage. After nine minutes of action, MLC increased their lead to 10. A three-pointer from Ari Pierson and a free throw by Turra began to chip away at the lead. In the final three minutes, Martin Luther had its largest lead at 13. Northland responded quickly, scoring 10 unanswered points, with contributions from Donovan Washington, Ryan Ehlert, and Kesti.
 
Washington continued the Jacks' run into the second half with a jumper assisted by Pierson. Cejka scored in the paint, and on the next possession, Pierson connected from deep to give NC its first lead since three minutes into the first half. The lead would trade hands again, and soon MLC had a seven-point advantage. Washington kept the LumberJacks' hopes alive by burying a triple, with Kesti following suit soon after. Northland struggled to string together runs down the stretch, as the Knights pulled ahead by double digits with under two minutes remaining. Northland was unable to make a comeback and fell 65-55.
 
Kesti led the Jacks with 12 points in the final game, with Washington also reaching double figures at 11. Cejka and Pierson followed with nine points each, and Thornton rounded out the top five with eight points. Thornton set a program record with 20 rebounds. The LumberJacks recorded five blocks, with Washington totaling three and Kesti swatting two.
 
Northland College is an NCAA Division III institution located in Ashland, WI. The LumberJacks and LumberJills sponsor 14 varsity sports and compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference and the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.