Feb. 8, 2023 – A second-straight sub-60-point performance for the Loras College basketball team spelled disaster on Wednesday night as the Duhawks dropped a pivotal home game 71-54 to the Luther College Norse.
The Duhawks (14-8, 8-5 A-R-C) were tied atop the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) standings at this time last week, but back-to-back losses now have the Duhawks in fourth place and two games back of the top spot. This most recent loss to the Norse (8-14, 5-9 A-R-C) comes as a headscratcher, seeing that Luther still sits on the outside looking in at the A-R-C Tournament field, even after its win on Wednesday.
The Norse came in with a game plan on Wednesday night and executed it as the Duhawks never found a rhythm offensively. Despite 16 turnovers forced by the Duhawk defense, the Norse stayed efficient in their offensive possessions and finished the game 26-for-54 (48.1%) from the field.
As was the case against Central College on Saturday afternoon, the Duhawks simply could not get any momentum going on the offensive end, and long dry spells proved to be detrimental again on Wednesday. Loras never led against Luther and trailed by five at the halftime break, this coming before a 9-0 run for the Norse opened the second half and sent their lead up to 13 points.
In the middle section of the second half, Luther connected on six straight field goal attempts over a five-minute span of game time, further increasing its lead to as high as 16 with seven minutes to play.
Even with good looks, the shots simply didn't fall for the Duhawks as they finished 22-for-63 (34.9%) from the field and a mere 3-for-9 from the free throw line. In its last two games, Loras is just 7-for-14 from the free throw line.
Junior guard
Myles Barry was the only Duhawk to score in double figures as he totaled 15 on the day. Junior guard
Ali Sabet fell just shy of 10 points as he finished with nine while sophomore's
Alex Singleton and
Jared Pearson each finished with eight.
Loras aims to get back in the win column on Saturday, Feb. 11 when it hosts Nebraska Wesleyan University at 4 P.M. at Lillis Court.
