A gigantic sigh of relief and plentiful cheers could be heard ’round the world after the Central women’s basketball team defeated Loras in overtime last night, 74 – 70, for their first Iowa Conference win of the season that snapped a 12-game losing streak. Down by a dozen with just under five minutes left, Central’s offense kicked into another gear with clutch three-pointers from up-and-down the line-up, and sharper foul shot shooting than in games past. The Dutch forced 23 Duhawk turnovers and came up with 12 steals to counteract the lopsided rebounding totals that favored Loras 52 – 29 for the game. Rachel Evans had 26 points off the bench, and Kenzie Vander Molen put up 24, as Central improves to 10 – 14 on the year. Loras was 8 – 4 in league play. Central’s men also avenged a loss to Loras by toppling them, 74 – 61 last night. The Dutch held the Duhawks to just 27% shooting in the second half to give them the edge. Colby Taylor scored 25, as did his teammate, Tate Handsaker, which is a career-high for the sophomore. Central’s men are now 14 – 10 overall, and are 7 – 6 in the Iowa Conference. Wartburg lost last night, which currently gives the men a number four seed, and can clinch that if they can knock off the Knights at home to end the regular season this Saturday. Central beat Wartburg on the road, 67 – 59, on January 14.

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