Smith’s career night helps push Dutch past Knights
Central College
WAVERLY — Junior forward Kyle Smith (Ionia, New Hampton HS) scored a career-high 31 points in a Central College men’s basketball team 94-90 victory at Wartburg College Saturday evening.
Smith got off to a fast start hitting 7-of-9 shots in the first half, including 6-of-7 from beyond the arc. The junior continued his scoring ways in the second half hitting another trifecta and getting to the free throw line and converting 7-of-8 times. Smith’s previous career-high was 25 points against Buena Vista last season.
“Kyle had a great game tonight,” said coach Craig Douma. “He caught fire in the first half and the guys did a nice job of finding him and getting him shots.”
Central (9-6 overall, 3-3 Iowa Conference) found its offensive rhythm in the first half racing out to a 49-38 halftime lead. Wartburg (11-5 overall, 3-4 Iowa Conference) cut the Dutch lead to 90-87 with 1:49 remaining in the contest but the Knights never closed the gap.
“Just an overall great win,” said Douma. “Our guys really came together and played a great game.”
Senior forward Colby Taylor (Creston) added 24 points and seven rebounds, junior guard Trashawn Boyd (Normal, Ill., University HS) had 17 points and five assists and senior forward Austin Glawe (Aurelia, Sioux Central HS) contributed eight points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Central edged Wartburg in the rebound battle 35-34 but the Dutch outshot the Knights 53.6 percent to 43.9 percent. Central connected on a season-high 17 3-pointers in the win. The Dutch have won three straight over Wartburg. Saturday was the first road league win for Central this season.
Central hosts Nebraska Wesleyan Monday night for a women’s-men’s doubleheader with the men beginning at 8 p.m. at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. Nebraska Wesleyan (10-4 overall, 4-2 conference) is a new member to the Iowa Conference. The Prairie Wolves are coming off a 95-91 home victory over Dubuque.
“Nebraska Wesleyan is a good team coming in on Monday night,” said Douma. “We can’t wait to get back in front of the home crowd. The students come back on Monday and there isn’t a better way to celebrate classes starting again then to get Kuyper (Gymnasium) rocking.”
