Big second half propels Central men’s basketball team
Central College
INDIANOLA — After leading by just three at halftime the Central College men’s basketball team dominated the second half in a 74-58 win at Simpson College Wednesday.
The Dutch (10-8 overall, 3-4 Iowa Conference) led Simpson (6-12, 1-6) 40-39 with 15:19 to play before going on a 13-0 run to take command of the game. Central extended its lead to as many as 22 in the second half before coming away with the 16-point victory.
“When we went on that run it was nothing special,” said coach Craig Douma. “It was really just ball movement and player movement and finding the open man. We attacked them on the low block and got good looks.”
The Dutch had balanced scoring Wednesday night with four players ending up in double figures.
“We executed and shared the ball offensively,” said Douma. “We found the open man.”
Guard Nile Eckermann (senior, Cosgrove, Clear Creek Amana HS) led Central with 18 points, going 4-for-8 from beyond the arc. His 61 3-pointers currently rank sixth on Central’s single season leaderboard and he entered the game 13th in Division III in made threes.
Forward Kyle Newendorp (senior, Pella) recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds. He was an efficient 6-for-7 from the floor.
“Our guys did a great job of finding Newendorp on the low block,” said Douma. “He finished really well tonight around the basket.”
Guard Austin Hauser (junior, Marshalltown) was also in double figures with 11 points and five rebounds.
“Hauser had one of his best games as a college player,” said Douma. “He really played well. He played great defense, but had a really good offensive game too.”
Forward Colby Taylor (sophomore, Creston) finished with 11 points as well and added seven boards while guard Kyle Smith (freshman, Ionia, New Hampton HS) chipped in seven points of his own.
Three keys for the Dutch were defense, shooting and rebounding. Central held a 46-33 advantage on the boards and shot 24-for-52 (45.3 percent) from the field including 10-for-25 (40 percent) from beyond the arc. The Dutch were right on their season average of 10 threes per game, which ranks 10th in Division III play. Their defense came up big holding Simpson to 33.8 percent shooting from the field and 20 percent shooting on 3-pointers.
“Our defense was outstanding,” said Douma.
Next up for the Dutch is a trip to Storm Lake to battle Buena Vista (13-5, 6-1) Saturday at 6 p.m. The Beavers clipped the Dutch 69-67 in Pella Jan. 21.
“We have to do a good job of controlling the tempo of the game,” said Douma. “We also have to control their penetration, rebound the heck out of the ball and take care of the ball offensively.”
