DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Luther women's basketball team defeated Loras 80-73 behind the offense of Kailey Jones, Haylie Strum and Natalie Beaver. The Norse defense stayed steady late in the game when the Duhawks cut the advantage to three (76-73) with 54 seconds left. The win secures the no. 4 seed and the right to host the first round of the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) Tournament on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

The Luther offense jumped out in front early with a strong first half shooting 61.3 percent (19-31) from the floor for a 45-29 lead at the halftime. The Duhawks were able to break down the lead in the second half outscoring the Norse 44-35. Luther was able to hold off the comeback by Loras. The Norse did most of their damage in the paint with 46 points. 

Jones extends her double-double streak to six games and 16^th of the season with 26 points and 16 rebounds. She also broke the single season rebound record eclipsing Kim Rolland's record of 305 from the 1977-78 season. To date Jones has 313 rebounds and now owns the single game, single season and career rebound records. 

Strum followed with 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists and  Beaver recorded 13 points.

Luther moves to 16-8 overall and 9-6 in the A-R-C. Loras falls to 9-15 overall and 6-9 in conference play.

The two teams split the season series.

Up Next
Luther will close out the regular season with Central on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.