The Central basketball teams were back in action Wednesday evening, traveling to Luther for an American Rivers Conference doubleheader. The Dutch women were held to their lowest scoring output of the season in a 79-41 loss. Central fell behind early, trailing 17-7 after the first quarter. Luther steadily increased their lead throughout the second and third quarters on their way to the dominant win.

One of the best defenses in the conference held Central to just 32.6 percent from the field, and no player reached double figures for Central. The Dutch fall to 8-5 overall and 0-4 in conference play.

The Luther men snapped a 13-game losing streak in the series with Central, a last-second 64-62 win. Central had a quality start to the game, leading for the entirety of the first half, at times by as many as eight points. Luther remained within striking distance throughout the low-scoring first half, and got to within 24-22 at the break.

Luther took their first lead early in the second half, and it would change hands several times over the next six minutes. Central led by as many as seven at the 6:40 mark, but that’s when the Norse made their run. Luther led by as many as six with just over 90 seconds to play. Central fouled Luther in the final seconds, and several missed free throws gave the Dutch a chance to send it to overtime. But a Caden Mauch drive to the basket resulted in an offensive foul as time expired, and Luther escaped with the win.

Adam Flinn led the Dutch with 19 points, while Mauck and Sean Kostyk each added 13. Central falls to 4-9 overall and 1-3 in the conference. Up next for the Dutch is a trip to Simpson on Saturday. Pregame coverage begins at 1:45, with the tipoff of the women’s game at 2:00 on 92.1 KRLS.