DUBUQUE, Iowa - Kate Nielsen converted the go-ahead layup in the final minute and Simpson went 4-for-4 from the free throw line down the stretch in a 73-68 win over Loras on Wednesday night.

Trailing 68-67, Nielsen's bucket with 36 seconds to go forced the final lead change in a tightly-contested mid-week contest.

Leading 69-68, a defensive stop by Simpson forced a Loras foul, prompting a perfect trip to the line by Ashley Rogers.

Amy Hamilton put the game away with two more free throws after Loras' Kelly Rogowski misfired on a potential game-tying 3-pointer, sealing the deal on the 15th consecutive win for the Storm (16-3, 10-0 IIAC).

Hamilton ended with a team-high 16 points. Stacey Schutjer scored 14 and Nielsen added 12 while pulling down six rebounds.  

The Duhawks (9-10, 5-5 IIAC) played with a chip on their shoulder after suffering an 88-64 loss to Simpson in their first meeting. Lindsey LaBadie scored a game-high 18 points on 8 of 17 shooting for Loras.

Simpson led by as much as 11 in the first half, but Loras fought hard to force seven lead changes throughout the game.   

The Storm look to continue their conference championship run when they travel back to Dubuque to face the Spartans on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 2 pm.