In a tough defensive, back-and-forth battle the Norse prevailed with a 68-62 victory over Viterbo University at the Regents Center Saturday afternoon. 

Luther held a slight lead the final 10 minutes of the second half, but in a game with nine total lead changes, the Norse never led by more than nine points. Leading 63-58 with 52 seconds remaining, Meagan Koepnick, Rachel Stenhaug and Nellie Nelson combined for five consecutive free throws to secure the victory.

The Norse out rebounded Viterbo 47-34. Both teams shot 35 percent from the field, but Luther made 27-of-37 free throws while Viterbo went 15-of-22 at the charity stripe.  

Viterbo was led by Jenna Engh, who tallied 24 points, connecting on 9-of-16, including a 4-for-7 effort from behind the three-point line. Laquita Becker recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds and Kelly Evers chipped in eight points.

Luther was led by Nelson, who recorded her fourth consecutive double-double, producing 11 points and 15 rebounds. Taylor Johnson and Koepnick each had 15 points and went a combined 11-for-12 at the free throw line.

Box score 

The Norse improved to 5-2 on the season, their best start since 2009. Viterbo fell to 4-6.

Luther will return to action Dec. 7 when they will host Northwestern College (MN). Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.