WAVERLY, Iowa - The Wartburg men's basketball team defeated conference opponent Luther 80-71 in Levick on Wednesday night. 

After starting off with a seven point lead, a layup added the Norse to the board at the 15:45 minute mark.

A pair of free throws at 12:32 by Luther brought the game within one point, when the Knights broke away and ended the half with a 10 point lead after a layup by junior Broden Coulter.

Coming into the second, senior Jacob Kuhlemeier connected a free throw giving the Orange and Black a 15 point ahead with 16:06 left. 

With seven minutes remaining, the Norse brought the score within two points. Junior Max Smith Drahos made a set of free throws followed by a jump shot to give Wartburg a six point advantage with just under six minutes remaining. 

Freshman Jack Molstead connected a layup to give Wartburg a final double digit lead when Luther hit a three pointer to bring the game back within seven points with 1:24 left.

Kuhlemeier led the Orange and Black with a career-high 18 points. Coulter and Smith Drahos each notched 13 points followed by Molstead who contributed 11 points. Six other Knights scored with 43 points coming from the bench. Wartburg was 30-of-66 in field goal shooting and 14-21 at the free throw line. The team tallied a total of 45 rebounds, three blocks and three steals.

The Knights, now 7-8 overall and 3-3 in conference, are on the road to face A-R-C rival Coe in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, Jan. 18. Tipoff is at 4 p.m.