Dutch drop low-scoring affair in women’s basketball
Central College
NEW ULM, MINN. — Neither team shot 30 percent from the field in a defensive battle Thursday, as the Central College women’s basketball team dropped a 43-37 contest to Martin Luther (Minn.).
Central (1-7) held the Knights to just 18 percent shooting and 11 made field goals over the course of the 40 minutes. The Dutch won the rebounding battle 48-45.
“We continued to play excellent defense tonight,” coach Chelsea Petersen said. “If we continue to play this kind of defense, the wins will come.”
The game was close throughout, the largest lead coming early in the second quarter, a seven-point advantage for the Knights.
Central held a one-point lead at the end of three quarters, 34-33, before Martin Luther outscored the Dutch 10-3 in the final frame.
The Dutch shot 28 percent from the floor and made only 1-of-21 3-pointers, a 5 percent clip. Central also struggled at the charity stripe, knocking down 8-of-17 attempts.
“When teams to continue lock down on us defensively, our guards have to hit shots and that isn’t happening right now. It’s also very difficult to win games on the road when you don’t make free throws.”
Central turned the ball over 23 times, leading to 12 points for the Knights.
“We turned the ball over too many times,” Petersen said. “We gave them additional offensive opportunities and they took advantage.”
Freshman forward Claire Marburger (Perry, Iowa) was responsible for almost 40 percent of the team’s rebounds, bringing down a season-high 19. She added 12 points for her fourth double-double in eight games.
“Claire was great on the glass tonight,” Petersen said. “She put us in positions for second-chance opportunities.”
Sophomore guard Alison Malably (Mechanicsville, Iowa/North Cedar HS) was good on 4-of-5 shots for eight points, adding four rebounds and three assists.
The Dutch will play one more game before breaking for the holidays, a 3 p.m. contest against Fontbonne (Mo.) Saturday at the P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium in Pella.
“We need to continue to get in the gym and find positions where we are comfortable,” Petersen said. “At this point in the season, it’s about stepping up and taking care of business.”
