Central (3-9 overall, 1-2 conference) shot just 26.7 percent from the field. The Dutch last led, 15-13, on a pair of Sara Iverson free throws with 8:59 left in the first half. But with the score tied 21-21, Loras (6-6 overall, 2-1 conference) staged a 12-0 run and the Duhawks were up 35-27 at intermission. Central couldn’t get closer than six points the rest of the way.
“Bottom line, we just could not put the ball in the basket,” coach Natalie Nakic said. “We had some wide-open looks but when you shoot 26 percent, you’re not going to win a lot of games.”
Central’s defense slowed Duhawks guard Natalie Pucci, who had been averaging 16.3 points a game. She was limited to three points Saturday. But in turn, Loras quieted Central guard Laura Porter, the league’s leading scorer with a 17.9-point average. Porter also mustered just three points.
Meanwhile Central forward Erin Benson notched a career high with 15 points while forward Emily De Jong recorded her fourth career statistical double-double and her first of the season with 10 points and a season-high 12 rebounds.
“Emily definitely rebounded well for us,” Nakic said.
Guard Mary Swanson added 10 points. Blair Bennett had 16 points and 12 rebounds for Loras.
Tuesday the Dutch make their first home appearance in nearly four weeks, playing host to Buena Vista University in a 6 p.m. women’s-men’s doubleheader at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. Last year after falling to the Beavers early in the year 101-69, the Dutch pulled an 82-78 upset in Pella. BV is 8-4 overall and 1-2 in league play after getting surprised by Coe Saturday 74-56.
Nakic said the Dutch need to keep working hard and the results will eventually improve.
“The tide’s going to turn here soon,” she said.