APPLETON, Wis. -- The Lawrence University men's basketball team used a balanced offense and solid defense Friday to craft a 70-56 nonconference victory over Martin Luther College at Alexander Gymnasium.
    Shrugging off a slow start on the offensive end, the Vikings shot nearly 50 percent from the floor while limiting Martin Luther to 43 percent shooting and forcing 13 turnovers.
    Rookie guard Hogan Demovsky turned in one of his best all-around games of the season as he tied for team scoring honors with 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting from the floor along with a 4-for-5 effort from the foul line. Demovsky also grabbed six rebounds, handed out four assists and picked up a block and a steal.
    Lawrence senior forward Adnan Sarancic, in his first game back from injury, also scored 15 points while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out four assists. 
    Jake Fisher added 14 points on 4-for-7 shooting from the floor for the Vikings (1-10) and picked up a game-high three steals. Liam Graham provided a spark off the bench for the Vikings as he scored 12 points, going 5-for-7 from the floor, including 2-for-3 from 3-point range. 
    Graham made four consecutive shots, capped by a 3-pointer, to give Lawrence a 28-25 lead in the final two minutes of the opening half. Demovsky followed with a layup and a turnaround jumper to help Lawrence to a 32-29 advantage at the half.
    The Vikings quickly pushed the lead to eight in the first two-plus minutes of the second half as Casey Schoenecker picked up a layup and Fisher hit a 3-pointer for a 37-29 edge. Martin Luther cut the lead to 39-38, but the Vikings responded with a 9-0 run. Lawrence got baskets from Fisher, Schoenecker and Demovsky, and Demovsky then drained a 3-pointer for a 48-38 lead with 11:49 left.
    The Knights trimmed the margin to 53-47 before Lawrence pulled away for good.
    Lawrence went on an 11-0 burst with Sarancic scoring six points and Demovsky three in that run to build a 64-47 lead. Martin Luther never got closer than 14 points the rest of the way.
    Ethan Kjenstad led Martin Luther (1-8) with 16 points.