DECORAH, Iowa – For the first time since 2022, the Luther men's basketball team defeated Central 80-70. The win also marked the first home win against Central since Jan. 8, 2020 (64-62). The Norse balance offense saw three players reach double-digits including Jeremy Andera with 24, Charlie Mason (16) and Clint Smith (11). Luther is now 6-8 overall and 1-4 in the American Rivers Conference.
 
The game featured six lead changes and three ties all coming in the first half. Luther closed the first half on a 17-7 run with 6:26 left on the clock. At halftime, the Norse had the advantage 42-35.
 
Luther did not give up the lead in the second half to secure the win. The bench scored 42 points and 38 pointers were scored in the paint. Owen Bockenstedt led the team in rebounds with 11.

Central falls to 7-7 overall and 0-5 in conference action. The leading scorer for the Dutch was Braylon Thomsen with 17 points. 
 
Up next, Luther hosts Loras on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m.