Tim Calderwood, Sports Information Director
February 10, 2007
DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras College men’s basketball team snapped a 56 year drought by winning the Iowa Conference championship on Saturday night following a 79-68 win over Coe College at the Fieldhouse.
“I’ve been proud to coach this team,” Head Coach Chad Walthall said. “The one thing they’ve done is be prepared to play every game. We’re going to enjoy this. I’m so happy for Loras. I’m so happy for our players. I’m so happy for our fans. It’s been a long time. I’m proud to be able to coach at this institution.”
The Duhawks trailed only once in the game at 38-37 and led by three at the half 41-38. Leading by eight with just over 10 minutes to play, the Duhawks embarked on a 9-0 run to open up a 17-point advantage after two Kyle White free throws at 66-49 with 7:20 to play.
Coe, co-champions of the conference in 2005-06, wouldn’t go down without a fight. Without leading scorer Mike Kilburg, who fouled out with seven points in nine minutes of play, the Kohawks battled the Loras zone in the second half and crept to within three at 69-66 with 1:38 left. A quick layup by Ricky Kolze gave the Duhawks a five point lead and Loras made all eight free throws in the final 1:03 to win.
“We were struggling in our man handling their screens,” Walthall said. “It (the zone) slowed the game down which I really liked. You know they’re going to hit some threes from time to time but our guys did a great job playing it.”
As has been typical with Loras all season, the Duhawks had four players score in double figures. Kyle White led the team with 18 points and nine rebounds. Luke Slater kicked in 17 including an electrifying dunk while Ricky Kolze and Brian Centella each scored 16. Loras shot almost 55 percent in the game and finished 18-of-23 at the free throw line.
Loras (17-6, 13-1) still has two regular season games to play at home next week. Cornell visits the Fieldhouse on Wednesday night in an 8pm contest.
By winning the conference regular season title, Loras earned the number one seed and a first round bye for the conference tournament which begins on February 20. Loras will host a to be determined semifinal opponent on February 22.
FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE VISIT THE LORAS COLLEGE WEBSITE (www.loras.edu/athletics)