In a game that saw 45 total fouls called and just 51 combined first-half points, the Central men’s basketball team prevailed over Loras, 72 – 61, which was live on 92.1 KRLS. The Dutch and Duhawks combined to shoot less than 29% from the field in the first half, but it was Central’s bench play and strong defense that helped them outlast Loras. Kyle Smith scored a game-high 22 points, Colby Taylor had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, and limited Mirko Grcic to 5-for-16 shooting and 16 points. The Dutch women couldn’t keep up with Loras and dropped a 77 – 54 decision. Loras scored at least 18 points in all four quarters, and used big bodies in the paint to win the rebounding battle, 55 – 34, including 20 offensive boards that turned into 17 second-chance points. Clair Marburger led all scorers with 16 points. Central’s men improve to 12 – 3 overall and stay in a tie for first place in the IIAC with a 3 – 1 league record, while the women drop to 4 – 11 and 1 – 3, respectively. It’s a road week for the Dutch, with a visit to Cedar Rapids and Coe College first on Wednesday.