New Ulm, Minn. – The Crown College Polars opened UMAC play Friday evening with a 79–69 road result against Martin Luther College, highlighted by a strong second-half response.

Martin Luther opened the game on a 10–0 run to establish early momentum. Crown settled in as the half progressed, continuing to attack the paint and generate second-chance opportunities while matching Martin Luther's physicality. The Knights maintained separation through the opening 20 minutes, and Crown went into halftime trailing 46–27.

The Polars delivered a standout response after the break. Crown turned up the tempo on both ends and put together a decisive 31–10 run, cutting the deficit from 27 points down to six with just over four minutes remaining. The stretch featured perimeter shooting from Parker Behne, transition finishes, and strong interior play from Donovan Washington, forcing Martin Luther to manage the closing minutes under pressure.

Crown continued to compete through the final horn, with Martin Luther sealing the result at the free-throw line late.

Behne led the Polars with 19 points, while Washington recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Anthony Knight added 12 points, and Tyler Smith filled the stat sheet with 11 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks.

The Polars return to conference play on Wednesday, January 14 for a road game at Bethany Lutheran.