Luther College spoiled a pair of home games for the Central College basketball teams on Saturday, as the Dutch fell in both Iowa Conference games.  

In the women’s contest, a dominant second half from Luther’s post players broke open what had been a pretty equal match-up, as the Norse claimed a 70-64 victory.  The Dutch led 28-27 at halftime, but Luther’s Samantha Jewell exploded for 20 second-half points, on her way to a game-high 24 points, well fellow forward Taylor Johnson put up 13 of her 17 points in the second half as well.

The Dutch struggled with cold shooting yet again, connecting on only 21-of-63 shots, with just 6 makes on 24 attempts from beyond the three-point line. Central’s Sarah Paulson finished with a team-best 15 points, while Haley Brillhart and Jordan Waddell each added 13 points. Brillhart also led the Dutch in rebounding with 9.  

The Central women are now 4-17 overall and 1-11 in the Iowa Conference.

In the men’s game, the Norse simply overpowered the Dutch; opening a 33-20 advantage by halftime on their way to a 68-51 win.  The Central men struggled to find their rhythm offensively, as only two players reached double digits in scoring.  

Jack Bruns had 13 points, along with 5 rebounds, while Demarco Turner added 10 points.  Luther was led by Tim Merrit’s 19 points, with Dane Larson adding 18.

The loss drops the Central men into sole possession of fourth place in the league standings, with a 7-6 record in conference play.  The Dutch are 11-10 overall.  

Both Central basketball teams play next on Wednesday against Simpson in Pella.