Dubuque proved to be an unkind destination for the Central women’s and men’s basketball teams, as both Dutch squads fell to Loras in Iowa Conference action last night. The Central women had an explosive first half of their contest, going into intermission down 47-45, but the Duhawks got hot from the perimeter and the Dutch struggled at both ends of the floor, as Central fell 98-72.

Freshman Nicole Strasko led Central with 14 points and 11 rebounds – for her first career double-double – and Haley Brillhart and Kelsey Schuring added 14 and 12 points, respectively. The loss drops the Central women to 2-15 overall and 1-7 in the Iowa Conference going into tomorrow’s game at Simpson.

The Central College men’s team also fell victim to a big second half by Loras, as the Duhawks racked up 56 points in the final 20 minutes and handed the Dutch an 86-77 loss. Central was out-rebounded 37-34 and committed 22 turnovers, both of which were atypical for the conference-leading Dutch.

Loren Liming led the team on offense with 22 points. The loss prevented the Central men from securing sole possession of first place in the Iowa Conference, but co-leader Cornell College also lost – leaving the two teams tied at 6-2 in the league race, with Buena Vista, Wartburg, Loras and Dubuque all just a game back. The Central men travel to Simpson tomorrow for an Iowa Conference doubleheader against the Storm.