American Rivers Conference basketball play got underway Tuesday evening as Central traveled to Loras. Both the women’s and men’s teams of Loras were NCAA Tournament teams last season, and they swept the Dutch in the doubleheader.

The Central women were scrambled all night by the length and fast pace of play by Loras. The Dutch remained within striking distance for much of the game despite committing 35 turnovers. Central trailed by as many as 20 in the second half, and fell by a final count of 88-72. Kelsea Hurley led Central with 22 points on 8-14 shooting. Kendall Brown, Maci Gambell and Ceora LeClaire each added 10.

Central is now 5-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Up next, the Dutch will host Wartburg next Wednesday.

In the men’s game, the Duhawks raced out to a 52-31 halftime lead. It was all Loras for much of the second half, but Central went on a 36-16 run in the final 10 minutes to give themselves a chance.

Trailing 92-91 with 21 seconds to play, Central had a chance to take a late lead with a bucket. The Dutch advanced the ball past halfcourt and called timeout with 15 seconds left. Loras stole the ensuing inbounds pass and took it in for a layup on the other end.

Central raced down the court with the chance to tie with a three, but a Dutch player collided with a referee in the corner and lost the ball out of bounds. Loras iced the game away, with a final score of 96-93.

Adam Flinn led all scorers with 37 points on 13-18 shooting. Jaden Moody scored 21, and Sean Kostyk and Keaton Rodgers each added 10.

Central falls to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in conference play. The Dutch will host Gustavus Adolphus Saturday in non-conference play before returning to conference play next Wednesday against Wartburg.