DECORAH, Iowa – The Loras College men's basketball team delivered a strong performance against the Luther College, defeating them 74-61 Wednesday evening on Birkestrand Family Court.

The Norse started the game hot from beyond the arc shooting 87.5 percent (7-of-8) to start the first half, jumping out to a six-point lead. Luther (6-9, 1-5 A-R-C) was not able to find the mark from the free throw line however, shooting just 40 percent (4-of-10) in the first half.

Loras (13-3, 7-0) began to close the lead throughout the remainder of the first half, tying the game with a deep ball from Daymen Jackson, and taking the lead with another three from Jack Haynes on an assist from Johnny Semany. The Duhawks went on a 14-5 run, shooting 62.5 percent (5-of-8) in the first half to solidify their lead. Nolan Berendes led all Duhawk scorers with 11 first half points and Loras went into the break ahead, 41-34.

Both teams struggled to get going offensively to start the second half, with only one field goal being scored in the first five minutes of play from Luther's Charlie Wunderlich. Jackson got the scoring going for the Duhawks with a deep ball six minutes into the second half.

The Duhawks outscored the Norse 33-27 in the second half, shooting 37.5 percent (9-of-24). Gavin Sarvis led all scorers with 20 points and also pitched in a season-high three steals. Haynes followed with 17 points and Berendes with 15.

UP NEXT: The Duhawks will travel to Lincoln, Neb. to take on the Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves this Saturday, Jan. 17. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.