Storm can't complete comeback, lose to Loras 74-56

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Alex Cline had 10 points and nine rebounds and Loras held a significant advantage on the boards in beating the Simpson men's basketball team 74-56 on Saturday evening.

Aaron Schueller had 11 points on 3-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc, Ryan Coon had 10 points and Jake Rutan had 10 rebounds for the Duhawks (8-15, 3-9 Iowa Conference), who outrebounded Simpson 45-24.

With the win, Loras moved a game ahead of Simpson and Central in the battle for the sixth and final spot in the fast-approaching Iowa Conference Tournament.

Austin Hennings scored 15 points and Charles Swain 12 for the Storm (6-17, 2-10), who dropped their fifth in a row.

Trailing by 13 points at halftime and 15 early in the second half, Simpson mounted a 9-0 run to cut the lead to 39-33 with 16:20 left in the game. Elijah Knox started the rally, which was capped by a deep 3 from Drew Bentley.

After a steal and a layup by Knox made the score 52-45, Loras put the game away by outscoring Simpson 17-3 over the next 6 minutes, 27 seconds. A Luke Barry 3-pointer ignited the run.

The Storm host Dubuque on Wednesday, Feb. 13 for Senior Recognition Night. The Spartans (17-6, 7-5) beat Central 69-50 on Saturday.

Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.