DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras men's basketball team reigned supreme on Saturday night, defeating Eureka 104-67 inside the Athletic & Wellness Center. In the process, Loras broke the school record for 3-pointers in a game, shooting 20-of-31 from beyond the arc. Freshman Michael Mims went 5-for-5 from distance and 6-of-6 overall to finish with 17 points and lead Loras in the win.

TURNING POINT
Loras controlled the game from start to finish tonight, never letting Eureka (1-5) get a glimpse of the lead. In the first half alone, Loras mounted a 31-8 lead over the Red Devils. The Duhawks shot 63.9 percent from the floor as opposed to Eureka's 34.8 field goal percentage.

HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
Loras got off to a hot start against Eureka, taking a 50-20 advantage into halftime. Freshman Ryan DiCanio had the edge over the Red Devils, contributing 13 first half points. DiCanio gave the Duhawks momentum by hitting three 3-pointers in less than two minutes.

Both freshman Michael Mims and junior Justin VanWambeke contributed to the offensive organization, dishing out a combined nine assists in the half. Freshman forward Austin Rix hauled in six first half rebounds and two blocked shots. As a team, the Red Devils were held to 20 percent shooting for the half.

Second Half
Contrary to previous weeks, the Duhawks stayed hot in the second half and refused to relinquish the lead. While they conceded 47 second half points, Loras' 54 points was more than enough to secure the victory. As a team, the Duhawks shot 11-of-14 from three in the second half, contributing to a record-breaking performance. With 20 three-point baskets, Loras broke the school-record of 18 set against Concordia-Chicago in 2012.

Mims stole the show in the second half and added to his already perfect night. The freshman set a career-high in points with 17 on 6-of-6 shooting, inlcuding 5-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. Before Saturday, Mims' previous best was a two-point performance against Edgewood and Principia. As a team, eleven different Duhawks hit shots from beyond the arc, including senior Patrick Schmelzle with two.

FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME
Michael Mims | The freshman led the Duhawks with 17 points on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting, providing key scoring off the bench. When he wasn't draining baskets, Mims was setting up his teammates for baskets, finishing with five assists.

SOUNDBITES | Greg Gorton


SOUNDBITES | Michael Mims & Ryan DiCanio


UP NEXT
Loras continues their home stand against UW-La Crosse on Monday. The Eagles come to Dubuque holding a 2-3 record. They've defeated Vitero last Tuesday, 71-47.