DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Loras College women's basketball team fell short against Luther College on Wednesday night at Lillis Court in the final home match of the season.

Loras (9-15, 6-9 A-R-C) kept pace early, trading baskets with Luther (16-8, 9-6) in a tightly contested first quarter. The Duhawks hit three 3-pointers, including a buzzer-beater from Daniella Jarrell, to stay within one at 18-17.

Luther took control in the second quarter, using a 12-2 run to seize momentum. The Norse dominated the paint, outscoring Loras 22-4 inside in the first half, and took a 16-point lead into halftime.

Loras battled back in the second half behind Lexi Beier and Emerson Whittenbaugh, who combined for three 3-pointers to spark the offense. Ashtyn Kelderman added three blocks on the defensive end, helping the Duhawks trim the deficit.

Despite a strong fourth-quarter push, Loras couldn't overcome Luther's inside presence.

Kailey Jones led Luther with a double-double, scoring 26 points and pulling down 16 rebounds. Haylie Strum added 21 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Natalie Beaver contributed 13 points and four boards. The Norse shot 48.4% (30-of-62) from the field and 88.2% (15-of-17) from the free-throw line.

Beier paced Loras with 17 points, three assists, and a block. Whittenbaugh chipped in 14 points and five rebounds, while Claire Wagner posted a double-double with 13 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal. The Duhawks shot 39.1% (27-of-69) from the floor and 90% (9-of-10) from the line.

Up Next: The Purple and Gold will travel to the University of Dubuque on Saturday, Feb. 22 for a 2:00 p.m. tipoff against the Spartans.