So much for the home-court advantage.

Central College, which had won its last three road games, suffered a 72-60 men's basketball setback to the University of Dubuque at home Thursday night, just 17 days after knocking off the Spartans 97-81 at Dubuque.

Even without its leading scorer, guard Taylor Blum, who was sidelined by illness, Dubuque (14-6 overall, 8-3 Iowa Conference) never trailed. The Spartans shot 50 percent from the floor and placed four players in double figures. They scored the game's first eight points and led by as many as 15 before settling for a 41-32 lead at the break. Central could come no closer than eight points in the second half.

Central (11-9 overall, 7-5 conference) shot just 39.6 percent from the field and committed 15 turnovers to Dubuque's five. Central held a slight 35-34 rebounding edge. The Spartans had a 10-1 advantage in steals.

Guard Demarco Turner had 16 points for Central but was the only Dutch player to crack double figures. Center Jack Bruns and forward Chris Lehmann each had six rebounds.

The loss drops Central three games behind first-place Luther College in the league standings. The Norse, 10-2 in conference play and 13-7 overall, come to Pella Saturday for a women's-men's doubleheader. Luther defeated the Dutch 53-48 at Decorah Jan. 5.

Saturday's games will be broadcast on KRLS-FM (92.1) with Eric Gotschall providing the call. A video webcast and live stats are also available through the Central athletics website at www.central.edu/athletics.