INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Luther women's basketball swept Simpson in the regular season for the first time since the 2016-17 season with an 85-76 win. Five players reached double digits including Abigail Panka, Haylie Strum, Natalie Beaver, Lexi Thomas and Ellie McMann. The Norse are 11-9 overall and 7-4 in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C).
 
The Norse had a 46-33 advantage at halftime before the lead was evaporated by the Storm in the third quarter. Simpson scored 23 points while holding Luther to 10 points. Going into the fourth quarter the game was tied at 56.
 
In the final ten minutes the score was tied three times 63 (7:02), 65 (6:09) and 67 (5:16). With 4:20 remaining Simpson was leading by three points (72-69) then Luther went on a 10-0 run running the clock down to 27 seconds. The Strom tried to make a comeback but the Norse made their final free throws to secure the win 85-76.
 
Panka set a new career high of 27 points breaking her previous high set this year at 23 points from Nov. 13 against Crown. Other double-digit scorers were Strum (16), Beaver (13), Thomas (12) and McMann (10). Beaver now has eight double-doubles on the season as she also recorded 13 rebounds.
 
Luther scored 38 points in the paint and 32 off of turnovers.
 
Up next Luther is back at home on Wednesday, Feb. 4 versus Coe for Aloha Night. Tip off is at 5:30 p.m. in Decorah.