The Central basketball teams will close out their home slate this evening, hosting Luther in an American Rivers Conference doubleheader. For the Dutch women, it is a critical game for postseason positioning. Four of the six conference tournament berths have been clinched, and Central is a half-game above Dubuque in the sixth spot. The Norse have qualified for the tournament, and stand at 10-3 in league play. Head Coach Joe Steinkamp says he is glad his team has faced their share of pressing teams lately, as Luther boasts arguably the league’s best defense.

The Norse will counter with Laura Hamilton, the reigning conference Defensive Player of the Year, as well as two of the last three players of the week in Hamilton and Sarah Holtz. The Norse also held Central to their lowest scoring output in a 79-41 Luther win in Decorah in January.

The Central men will try to build upon the momentum of an emotional victory over Simpson on Saturday, which snapped a 13-game losing streak. While hopes for the conference tournament remain slim, it’s a big opportunity for another win, as Luther has faced their fair share of struggles with a 3-10 conference record. The Norse also rank among the bottom of the conference in most statistical categories. It will be a chance for revenge, as Luther held off a furious rally by Central for a 64-62 win in January.

Tonight’s doubleheader will be broadcast live on the KRLS3 stream at KNIAKRLS.com, with Jon Mohwinkle broadcasting the action. Pregame coverage begins at 5:15, with the opening tipoff from Kuyper Gymnasium at 5:30.