News Release

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Guard Rachel Lenox erupted for a career-high 27 points, but the Central College women’s basketball team saw a 10-point second-half lead melt away in a 76-69 loss at Loras College Wednesday.

Lenox knocked down 11 of 18 shots, including 5-for-10 from 3-point range. She also had a team-high nine rebounds and five assists in a full 40 minutes of action.

But Central, which led, 38-30 at intermission and 42-32 with 17 minutes, 47 seconds left, couldn’t finish the deal, sustaining its sixth straight loss. Loras still trailed 47-39 with 15:44 remaining but the Duhawks went on a 16-3 run for a 55-50 advantage eight minutes later and surged ahead by as many as 12 points down the stretch.

Loras (12-12 overall, 7-8 Iowa Conference) placed four players in double figures, with guard Blair Bennett contributing 19.

Central (7-17 overall, 4-11 conference) got 15 points and five boards from forward Ashley Nekola while guard Morgan Martin added 12 points.

After hitting a warm 56.7 percent from the field in the opening half, the Dutch slumped to 33.3 percent in the second half and closed at 45 percent. Loras connected on 43.8 percent. Central held a 37-28 rebounding advantage.

Central closes the regular season Saturday, playing host to Coe College in a 2 p.m. contest at Kuyper Gym. The Kohawks stopped Central 57-46 at Cedar Rapids Jan. 8.