Central men’s basketball win streak halted
PELLA-Staggered by a first-half University of Dubuque onslaught, the Central College men’s basketball team saw its seven-game win streak crash to a halt, absorbing a 96-64 bruising Saturday.
The loss dropped the Dutch (16-7 overall, 10-4 American Rivers) into a three-way tie for third place in the frantic conference race heading into the final week of the regular season. But they’re still just a game out of first as No. 23-rated Nebraska Wesleyan University knocked off No. 19 Coe College 70-60 Saturday at Lincoln, Nebraska, forcing a tie at the top between the two schools at 11-4. Loras College was upset at Simpson College Saturday and joins Dubuque and Central at 10-4 heading into the final week of the regular season.
“It’s really crazy what the standings are right now,” coach Joe Steinkamp said. “It could be a multi-team champion. There’s still a lot of for grabs and a lot to play for.”
But with two games remaining before the six-team conference tournament, the Dutch will want to quickly put Saturday’s mishap into the rear-view mirror. Playing on its Senior Day, Dubuque roared to a 31-9 lead before streaking to a 58-26 halftime advantage.
The first-half shooting percentages alone were enough to tell the tale. The Spartans (19-4 overall, 10-4 conference) shot a blistering 64.7% from the field and matched that number from 3-point range as well, hitting 11-of-17, while Central shot just 29.6%, including 22.2% from long range. The Dutch were outshot for the game 55.2% to 40.7% and uncharacteristically struggled on the glass, getting outrebounded 42-29. It was Central’s lowest rebound total of the season.
“They just came out blazing,” Steinkamp said. “They really packed the paint on us and we couldn’t answer them.
“They just hit so many late shot-clock threes. They everything but, yeah, there are some things we have to do better defensively as well.
All-American center Joshua Van Gorp (senior, Pella) scored 22 but even he had some unusual shooting struggles. He entered the game ranked third in the NCAA Division III in field goal percentage at 67.1% but was under 50% for the first time this season Saturday, hitting eight of 18 shots. He was the only Dutch player to crack double figures. Forward Grant Johnson (5th-year, Waukee, Van Meter HS) had four assists.
“They just had a really good game plan,” Steinkamp said. “They have really athletic guys and it was kind of an emotional senior day for them. They played great.”
Another crucial road test awaits as Central travels to Nebraska Wesleyan Wednesday at Lincoln. It’s a women’s-men’s doubleheader with the men’s game starting at 7:30 p.m. Nebraska Wesleyan is ranked No. 23 by D3hoops.com. Central was toppled at home by the Prairie Wolves 88-82 Jan. 10.
“I know our guys will bounce back,” Steinkamp said. “The last time we lost, we won seven in a row. I really trust the character of this team and think we’ll bounce back. We’re going to have to, because we play a really good team on Wednesday.”
