Central Women’s Basketball Falls to Loras in Road Defeat

The Central College women’s basketball team had a tough matchup Wednesday night, falling 72-61 to Loras College. They fought hard to close the gap, but just couldn’t quite overcome Loras’s edge in second chance and fast break points.

This game really showed off the intensity of the American Rivers Conference. Key players like CeCe Moore, Maddie Backer, and Emily Naughton all stepped up with solid performances, though it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

Now, the team looks ahead to another game in Dubuque. They’re eager to improve and take something valuable from this experience.

Game Overview: Central College vs. Loras College

Central ran into serious trouble against Loras, ending with a 72-61 loss. Loras dominated in second chance points, outscoring Central 18-5, and also led 16-4 in fast break points.

These stats pretty much tell the story—Central struggled to keep up in those key areas. The difference in hustle plays and transition buckets made things tough from the start.

First Half Struggles

In the first half, Central quickly found themselves down by as much as 17 points. That huge deficit made it an uphill battle for the rest of the game.

No matter how hard they tried, they just couldn’t quite close the gap enough to take control. Sometimes, the hole just gets too deep, you know?

Third Quarter Comeback Attempt

There was a spark in the third quarter when Central put together a gutsy 10-0 run. Suddenly, the deficit was just five points and the energy in the gym changed.

That run showed off the team’s resilience and refusal to back down. Still, keeping that momentum going proved to be a real challenge.

Key Performances

Several players stood out despite the loss. Junior CeCe Moore led Central with 15 points and seven rebounds, showing off her usual leadership and grit.

Freshman Maddie Backer chipped in 13 points, making her presence felt early in her college career. Junior Emily Naughton added 10 points and three assists, rounding out a solid trio for Central.

CeCe Moore’s Leadership

CeCe Moore really set the tone for Central, both scoring and hitting the glass hard with seven rebounds. Her ability to lead by example matters a lot for this group.

Contributions from Maddie Backer and Emily Naughton

Maddie Backer, just a freshman, put up 13 points and looked confident out there. You have to think she’s got a bright future ahead.

Emily Naughton played a key role too, notching 10 points and three assists. It’s clear this team relies on a collaborative effort to stay competitive.

Defensive Efforts

On defense, Jasmyn Williams made her mark with two steals. Those kinds of plays can really shake up an opponent’s rhythm.

Williams’s hustle on defense is something Central can build on. Disrupting Loras’s offense, even in small bursts, matters more than the box score sometimes.

Looking Ahead: Next Game Against University of Dubuque

Central College now turns its attention to the University of Dubuque for the next game. It’s a new chance to regroup and put some of these hard lessons to work.

There’s definitely room to improve, especially with second chance and fast break points. If they can shore up those areas, maybe the next result will swing their way.

Building on Key Performances

Central’s best bet is to keep leaning on the strengths of CeCe Moore, Maddie Backer, and Emily Naughton. Their efforts lay a foundation for better things to come.