A promising half of action was followed by one of the season's worst as the Central College women's basketball team saw a 10-point lead disappear in a 55-45 loss to Trine (Ind.) Wednesday morning in the Land of Magic Classic.

After taking a 28-18 lead in the first half, Central was dominated in the second half 37-17. The Dutch (4-6) shot just 20 percent from the field in the second half and 27.1 percent for the game.

"We've got to finish," coach Mike Jacobsma said. "It's not enough just to execute. We have to finish plays.

Jacobsma said another difference came on the boards. Central held a 48-34 advantage, but yielded too many second-chance baskets after intermission.

"I thought (Trine) rebounded harder in the second half," he said. "We didn't box out as well. We gave up no offensive boards in the first half, which is almost unheard of. But in the second half, they capitalized on offensive boards and putbacks."

Guard Sarah Paulson (senior, Ottumwa) was the only player to crack double figures, scoring 13 points. Forward Nicole Strasko (junior, Roland, Roland-Story HS) had nine rebounds while Paulson and forward Alyssa Schwartz (junior, Titonka, WCLT HS) each had eight.

Trine had four players on the floor for 35 minutes or more and each was in double figures. Central made extensive use of its bench and Jacobsma liked the contributions from freshman center Bry Pierce (St. Clair, Mo.), sophomore forward Hilary Beaird (Burlington) and freshman guard Kalli Richardson (Blairsburg, Northeast Hamilton HS).

"They came in and did some good things," Jacobsma said. "But in the second half we got in a funk and didn't have anyone with the spark to get us out of it."

Central comes back Thursday morning at 9 a.m. (Central Time) against Clark (Mass.). Clark is 7-3 after a 44-32 loss to Hamilton Wednesday.

Jacobsma said his players' assignment is clear.

"It's about knowing what your job is and performing it," he said. "We're done talking about it."