DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras College men's basketball team sits first in the American Rivers Conference standings after taking down Nebraska Wesleyan University, 80-45, on Saturday afternoon.

The Duhawks took control of the game early on, using a three-pointer from Gavin Sarvis to put themselves in front, 8-6, for the final time in the contest.

Loras (9-3, 3-0 A-R-C) closed out the last 4:07 of the first half with a 9-0 run to hold a 38-20 advantage over the visitors at the half.

The Duhawk offense kept its foot on the gas throughout the second half, extending its lead to as many as 37 (80-43) following a pair of made free throws from Lukas Balling. The Purple and Gold tallied their fourth consecutive victory over the Prairie Wolves, while also handing Nebraska Wesleyan its first conference loss.

Sarvis led the way for Loras with 19 points, five steals and six rebounds. Nolan Berendes followed closely behind with 15 points and five boards, while Tyler Bass registered his fourth double-double of the season with a 13-point, 11 rebound performance. Kyle Kober rounded out the double-digit scorers for the Duhawks with 11 points. As a team, the Purple and Gold shot 45 percent (27-of-60) from the floor and 40.0 percent (12-of-30) from behind the arc.

Jack Groeteke was the only Prairie Wolf to finish in double figures, totaling 16 points on the night. As a team, Nebraska Wesleyan shot 38 percent (19-of-50) from the field and just 15.0 percent (3-of-20) from downtown.

Up Next: The Duhawks host the Buena Vista University Beavers on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from Lillis Court.