Central men’s basketball team falls to Dubuque
Central College
PELLA — A hot-shooting University of Dubuque squad jumped out to an early lead it would never relinquish on its way to defeating the Central College men’s basketball team 105-62 Wednesday night.
The Spartans (16-4 overall, 6-3 Iowa Conference) led the Dutch (10-10, 3-6) by as many as 24 in the first half before Central trimmed the lead to 18 at the break. Dubuque built its lead by making shots, going 41-for-68 (60.3 percent) from the field and 12-for-17 (70.6 percent) from beyond the arc in the game.
“We feel that’s two games in a row where we have not come out with the effort and the energy we need,” said coach Craig Douma.
Central was without starting guard Aaron Rosenstiel (senior, Oelwein) for the second consecutive game due to injury.
“Aaron brings energy and he brings it both offensively and defensively,” said Douma. “We are missing his energy a little and collectively we have to pick it up.”
Guard Austin Hauser (junior, Marshalltown) and guard Kyle Smith (freshman, Ionia, New Hampton HS) led the Dutch with 13 points each. Hauser added two assists while Smith grabbed five boards.
“I called Kyle Smith out at halftime and he stepped up,” said Douma. “He shot the ball and played with more energy.”
Guard Nile Eckermann (senior, Cosgrove, Clear Creek Amana HS) added nine points, forward Colby Taylor (sophomore, Creston) had eight points and six rebounds and guard Trashawn Boyd (freshman, Normal, Ill., University HS) scored six points and dished out two assists.
Dubuque had five players in double figures, led by Lucas Ware with 26 points and Andre Norris with 20.
Wednesday’s 43-point loss is tied for the sixth largest defeat margin in Central history. Despite the recent rough stretch Douma knows his team is capable of turning things around.
“We have an opportunity to do some good things yet in February,” said Douma. There is a lot of season left yet. We have the opportunity to play ourselves into a good seed in the conference tournament.”
The Dutch will play at home again Saturday against Simpson (6-14, 1-8) at 4 p.m. Central took care of the Storm 74-58 Jan. 28 in Indianola. The game will be broadcasted by KRLS-FM (92.1). The broadcast can also be accessed through www.kniakrls.com and a live video feed will be available on the Central athletics website.
