Luther 69, Loras 58

The Loras College men's basketball team fell to 2-5 on Saturday evening with an 11-point loss to defending IIAC champion Luther College. The Duhawks chipped away at the Norse's lead in the second half, but the visitors used all five of their three-point field goals to hold on for the victory.

Jordan Harrelson scored six points in the first half to lead the Duhawks as the visitors opened a 28-21 halftime lead. Neither team made a three point shot in the first half, with the teams combining to go 0-for-10 from long distance. Inside for the Norse, John Androus and Tyler Wedemeier combined to go 7-for-12 to help Luther to the halftime lead.

Tim Kelly scored all of his team high 11 points in the second half on 4-of-6 shooting, including knocking down three three-pointers. As a team, Loras was a healthy 59% from the floor in the second half (13-of-22) and the Norse countered by going 15-of-31 (48%).

Loras was within one point at 31-30 after five and a half minutes of action in the second half when Calvin Waller hit the first of five second half long distance efforts for Luther. The Norse then extended three five point leads to eight points and one six point lead to nine points with their long distance shots that followed in the second half.

Kelly finished with 11 points, three rebounds, and one block. Harrelson finished with 10 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Taylor Baxter chipped in with nine points on 3-of-5 shooting.

The Norse turned the ball over just six times in the win.

Connor Mooney was limited to 25 minutes following a second half injury, scoring four points and adding two assists and a steal.

Loras fell to 2-5 with the loss and 0-2 in the IIAC. They host Elmhurst College in a non-conference game on Wednesday night at 8 PM in the AWC.