News Release

DECORAH, Iowa — On an icy January night, the shooting was even colder than the bus ride home as the Central College women’s basketball team was shut down by Iowa Conference favorite Luther College Thursday, 61-33.

Central, playing its first game since Dec. 11, shot just 27.8 percent from the floor in the first half and trailed at the break, 25-14. Luther wasn’t much better initially, hitting only 28.9 percent in the first half, but the Norse warmed up to 55.6 percent in the second half. Central improved to only 29.2 percent and shot 28.6 percent for the night.

It was Central’s lowest point total since a 92-32 loss to Grand View in 1975.

Luther’s Anne Straate and Sarah Laposky were the only players to crack double figures, each scoring 10 points. Central center Ashley Nekola and guard Katy Paxton each had six points. Nekola and center Cara Hegner both had six rebounds. Central was outrebounded, 44-29.

Luther never trailed in the contest and improved to 2-0 in league play and 8-2 overall. Central is 3-7 overall and 0-2 in the conference. The Dutch continue conference action Saturday at Cedar Rapids against Coe College. Game time is 2 p.m.