DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - After Wednesday's loss to Central, Loras was officially eliminated from playoff contention. However, even with that being said, this squad want to ensure that their seniors go out with a win on Saturday against Simpson.
ABOUT SIMPSON ...At 6-18, the Storm are looking to finish the season off with a victory despite riding an 11 game losing-streak heading into Saturday's matchup with the Duhawks.
This season, Simpson has relied heavily on senior guard Charles Swain. Swain is leading the team in points per game with 12 and has taken 100 more shots than the Storms second best scorer Ryan Skaar. He's helped in the backcourt by junior Dillon Gretzky, averaging just under eight points per game. The Storm feature a primarily guard heavy starting line-up outside of their 6-9 center Cort Singleton. Playing just 13 minutes a game, Singleton and Leif Olson split much of the time down low.
The Duhawks will need to contain the outside shooting Swain and Skaar in order to claim victory as they search for a win in their final game of the season.
SENIORS TO SUIT UP FOR THE LAST TIME …With a loss on Wednesday night against Central, the Duhawks saw their playoff hopes slip away after Luther won in upset fashion over Wartburg. This means that on Saturday, it will be the final time donning the purple in gold for this year's senior class. In total, this year's class contributed 750 of the team's 1,674 total points (44.8 percent) registered prior to the regular season finale. Over the course of their four-year careers, each member made a significant contribution to the Duhawk program.
DUHAWKS FALL SHORT IN CRITICAL MATCHUP …Struggles on the road continued for the Duhawks as they collapsed in the second half against Central on Wednesday night. Despite leading by as much as eight points in the first half, Loras would go on to lose by a final score of 74-61. A cold spell from the floor in the second half allowed Central to erase the deficit and take control of the ball game. In total, Loras shot just 26.5 percent in the second half, including a 20 percent mark from beyond the arc. On the contrary, the Dutch finished with a 53.8 shooting percentage from the floor in the second half.
KEYS TO BEATING THE STORM …Earlier this season, the Duhawks enjoyed one of their best shooting nights overall against the Storm of Simpson College. Loras went on to shoot 58.8 percent from the floor that game, and 50 percent from beyond the arc in a 78-66 victory. Loras' scoring effort was both balanced and efficient, something the Duhawks have struggled with this season. With four players scoring in double digits, the Duhawks were able to distribute the ball and trust that the correct play was going to be made. It will be key for the Duhawks to hold Simpson under 70 points in Saturdays matchup. When Loras holds teams to under 70 their offense has been able to hit the necessary shots to earn a victory. If the Duhawks can prevent Charles Swain from scoring 20 or more points again a victory isn't out of the question. Loras should also keep an eye out for Ryan Skaar due to his ability to hit shots from deep.
GRCIC THE REBOUNDING KING OF THE CONFERENCE ...Junior
Mirko Grcic's ability to collect off the glass has been a significant improvement over previous seasons. Through 24 games, Grcic is averaging 11.0 rebounds per game, more than 1.4 more than the next closest contestant, Colby Taylor, who averages 9.6 rebounds per game.
SMITH SETTING CAREER-BESTS DURING SENIOR YEAR ...Entering his final season with the Duhawks,
Nathaniel Smith had a career-best 45.1 field goal percentage, coming as a junior. This season, through 24 games, Smith boasts a 49.1 field goal percentage. In addition, his rebounds per game average is up to 4.9 from 4.36, which he set as a sophomore. Despite missing a large portion of the first half of the season, Smith has come back to average 14.2 points per game, up from 11.6 a year ago.
GORTON JOINS THE CENTURY CLUB ...With the win over Simpson, head coach
Greg Gorton reached 100 career Iowa Conference victories. In his tenth season at the helm, Gorton joins the likes of Buena Vista's Brian Van Haaften and Wartburg's Dick Perth as the only three current Men's Basketball coaches in the conference with 100 wins in the IIAC. All three of coaches are the longest tenured men's coaches in the conference. This accomplishment emphasizes the commitment Gorton has to his program as well as his athletes.
GRCIC TIES SCHOOL RECORD ...In the 2014-15 season opener, junior
Mirko Grcic hauled in 26 rebounds, tying a Loras school record dating all the way back to the 1954-55 season. That year, Al Carew collected 26 rebounds in a game against St. Norbert College.
