Central men’s basketball team holds off Luther
Central College
PELLA — The Central College men’s basketball team made 11 of its 13 free throws in the final 1:30 to hang on for a 92-89 victory against Luther Saturday.
The Norse (4-9 overall, 0-2 Iowa Conference) trailed by six with five minutes to go, but could not catch the Dutch (8-5, 1-1), despite making nine of their final 10 shots from the field.
Luther converted a layup with 19 seconds left to pull within 88-86. Central forward Tate Handsaker (sophomore, Nevada) then drained two free throws before the Norse sank a long 3-pointer to cut the Dutch lead to one. Guard Nile Eckermann (senior, Cosgrove, Clear Creek Amana HS) made two free throws for the Dutch and a buzzer beater try by the Norse went long to bring the final score to 92-89.
“In the second half we executed offensively, we took care of the basketball and made free throws,” said coach Craig Douma. “You have to do those things to win games.”
Central regained its shooting touch Saturday, going 30-for-53 (56.6 percent) from the field and 15-for-29 (51.7 percent) from beyond the arc.
“Our kids really shared the ball tonight,” said Douma. “They found the open man and we hit shots. We are the kind of team that has to make shots.”
Forward Colby Taylor (sophomore, Creston) scored 29 points three days after scoring a career-high 30 on Wednesday. He also grabbed five rebounds and had six assists in 37 minutes on the floor.
“Colby is playing good basketball right now,” said Douma. “He’s scoring and he’s playing smart. I thought he played smart efficient basketball tonight.”
Eckermann recorded career highs in both points (28) and rebounds (seven), while tying his career high in assists (seven).
“Nile Eckermann had a great night,” said Douma. “I’m proud of him. I thought he stepped up as a senior tonight and really played well, especially in that second half.”
Guard Aaron Rosenstiel (senior, Oelwein) was also in double figures for the Dutch with 12 points, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the field. Forward Kyle Newendorp (senior, Pella) added nine points and six boards and Handsaker finished with seven points.
“Tate Handsaker played some great minutes off the bench,” said Douma. “He scored some big points for us.”
The Norse were led in scoring by Jake Martin, who finished with 23 points and a team-high eight boards.
Next up for the Dutch is a road game at Wartburg Wednesday at 8 p.m. The Knights are off to a 2-0 start in conference play after defeating Dubuque Saturday.
“Wartburg is playing great basketball right now,” said Douma. “They are a good team that is well-coached. It’s a good road test for our guys and we are excited for the challenge.”
