The numbers told the story for the Central College women's basketball team Wednesday night.

"Too many turnovers and too many fouls," said coach Mike Jacobsma after his squad's 81-63 setback against Iowa Conference leader Simpson College. The Dutch (6-17 overall, 1-13 conference) had 26 turnovers and committed 25 fouls, sending Simpson (18-5 overall, 11-3 conference) to the free throw line 42 times. The Storm knocked down 37 (88.1 percent).

Central took an early 6-1 lead by coming out with a new defensive look, but the advantage was short-lived as Simpson reeled off 11 unanswered points in the next 5 minutes.

"We came into the game trying to mix it up on defense," Jacobsma said. "That requires really good communication. But we made too many mistakes. We had one or two people out of position and that would cost us a bucket. You can't do that against a good team like Simpson.

"We only gave up four 3-pointers, and they lead the league in 3-pointers. But we didn't contain the dribble-drive and then we put them on the line."

Simpson bolted to a 42-29 halftime lead and pushed the margin to as much as 20 in the second half.

Central shot just 37.3 percent from the floor but held a 41-33 rebounding advantage.

"We outrebounded them and we had more offensive boards (19-11) but you've got to make shots," Jacobsma said.

Guard Sarah Paulson (senior, Ottumwa) had nine points and six rebounds. Guard Kelsey Schuring (senior, Pella) and guard Alyssa Schwartz (junior, Titonka, WCLT HS) each added seven points.

Central closes the 2011-12 campaign Saturday with a women's-men's league doubleheader against Wartburg College. Central was defeated by the Knights 77-57 at Waverly Jan. 4. Wartburg is 17-7 overall and 10-5 in league play following an 81-63 stumble against Coe College Wednesday.

Jacobsma said the Dutch are determined to finish strong.

"It's a special day for our seniors," he said. "It's a game for them to lay everything on the line."

And it's important for the younger players as well.

"We've got two days to prepare," he said. "We need to develop that attitude of wanting to defend our home court. We need some momentum going into the off-season and heading into next year."

Saturday's women's game tips off at 2 p.m. at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium with the men's game at approximately 4 p.m.. A video webcast and live stats will be available through the Central athletics website at www.central.edu/athletics. The games will also be broadcast on KRLS-FM (92.1) with Eric Gotschall calling the action.