Just over a month ago the Central College men's basketball team rolled up a 97-81 victory at the Univ. of Dubuque.

But points were a scarce commodity Tuesday as the Dutch saw their Iowa Conference tournament title defense cut short at Dubuque in the opening round, 64-44. The loss ends Central's season at 12-13.

Cold shooting was an obvious issue as the Dutch hit just 31.3 percent from the floor, including 15.0 percent from 3-point range. Yet coach Mike Boschee saw an even bigger concern.

"We made 22 turnovers and that really hurt us," he said. "It really hurts your confidence.

"We had a lot of good, open looks but they just weren't falling for us. I thought we defended fairly well but it makes it difficult offensively when you don't get a shot on 22 possessions."

Dubuque (16-10), which advances to meet second-seeded Coe College at Cedar Rapids in the semifinals Thursday, managed to shoot 44.9 percent from the floor and overcame a 41-28 Central rebounding advantage. The Spartans made just 11 turnovers.

Central failed to place a player in double figures. The squad's two seniors, James Chapline and Demarco Turner  each had nine points. Chapline also grabbed seven rebounds. Forward Jacob Winkler and guard Brock Caves also had seven boards.

Turner and Chapline, in their first season as starters, had banner campaigns. Turner blossomed, leading the squad in scoring with 16.3 points per game and had 69 3-point goals, the second-highest season total in school history. He hit a solid 43.1 percent from beyond the arc.

Chapline's contributions were perhaps most recognizable when he was sidelined at various points as he performed an unsung role in the Dutch attack. He averaged 9.7 points and 6.3 rebounds and was the team blocked shots leader with 18.

"We're going to sorely miss Demarco and Chappy," Boschee said.

After a championship season in 2009-10, Central graduated five starters. The Dutch were picked to finish sixth in a preseason poll of league coaches. Yet the squad made a strong run at another crown before injuries and illness took a toll, and the Dutch tied for fourth place. It was difficult juggling lineups with different players missing action, Boschee said.

"It's been a unique year, trying to battle all the illness and injury and trying to get everybody in their roles," he said. "But the guys did a good job of being up to the challenge. It was just difficult for them to find a rhythm down the stretch.

"But it was a great group. They worked extremely hard and they were a lot of fun to coach."

And with a more veteran club returning in 2011-12, Boschee said the Dutch will look to be factors in the title chase again.

"We feel like we have a lot of talent returning," Boschee said. "I think we have a bright future."