If there is one thing Brian Ortmeier hopes his Iowa Central women learned in a tough loss to Des Moines Area here Wednesday night is the need to finish.

After leading for much of the first half, the Tritons were unable to hold off the 13th-ranked Bears, falling inside Hodges Fieldhouse, 67-63.

Nevaeh Galloway and Isabell West each recorded double-doubles for Iowa Central (2-3 overall, 2-3 in ICCAC). Galloway scored 16 points with 10 rebounds, five blocks and two steals while West added 13 points, 13 boards, four assists and two blocks.

"We have to do a better job finishing quarters, halves and the game," Ortmeier said. "That was the difference. We let them get back in it late in the first half and at the end of the third. When we needed to get a stop or rebound, we just couldn't get one there in the fourth."

The Tritons took early command with a 10-2 run as they would lead 31-23 at the break. 

Nevaeh Moeschter added 12 points off the bench and Autumn Dykstra chipped in eight with three assists. 

As a team, Iowa Central made nearly 45 percent of its field goals, but DMACC controlled the glass with a plus-10 advantage in total rebounds including a 23-8 edge on offensive boards.

"We didn't put ourselves in a good position there, especially in the second half," Ortmeier said. "But hopefully we can use this experience and be a better team for it down the road."

Magan Christopherson led the Bears with 20 points while Grace Flanagan added 13. Emily Caspers had 12 rebounds and Jada Powell 11.

The Tritons hit the road Saturday to face Marshalltown. Tip is set for 1 p.m.

-By Dana Becker