Marburger has 18 as Central falls to league women’s basketball leaders
Central College
PELLA — Mistakes were more plentiful than scoring opportunities as the Central College women’s basketball team was overpowered by league-leading Luther College Wednesday, 80-52.
Freshman forward Claire Marburger (Perry) and sophomore guard Emily Dine (Tampa Bay, Fla., East Lake HS) were again steady offensive performers with 18 and 15 points, respectively.
“Emily Dine and Claire Marburger again stepped up on offense for us,” coach Chelsea Petersen said.
But the Dutch attack was stymied by 26 turnovers against Luther’s pressure defense.
The Norse (16-4 overall, 8-1 Iowa Conference) scored the final eight points of the first period to take a 26-16 advantage it never relinquished. Central (4-16 overall, 1-8 conference) was down 37-28 at the break.
Petersen said the most glaring statistic was field goal attempts, where Luther held a commanding 70-46 lead, as turnovers limited Central’s scoring chances. The Dutch also yielded 14 3-point baskets.
“Luther had 33 points off turnovers,” she said. “It really comes down to turning the ball over too much and, defensively, not making great rotations.”
The Dutch held their own on the boards with a 37-36 edge. Luther shot 42.9 percent from the field to Central’s 39.1 percent.
Marburger had eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal. Petersen also cited guard Emily Neff (sophomore, Cedar Falls) who had seven points and seven rebounds while committing just one turnover in 30 minutes.
“Emily also looked good on offensive drives and created some good opportunities for her teammates,” Petersen said.
Luther placed four players in double figures and committed just 10 turnovers.
Central must regroup as it prepares to travel to Indianola to take on Simpson College. Simpson is 12-8 overall and 5-4 in league play after a 77-61 setback against Wartburg College Wednesday.
