Career nights from Central’s McKnight, Johnson lead way in men’s basketball win
Central Dutch Athletics
PELLA — Central junior guard Jamel McKnight (Austin, Texas, Hendrickson HS) and senior forward Andre Johnson (Alief, Texas, Hastings HS) had career nights, scoring 24 points and 17, respectively in a 96-89 Iowa Conference win over the University of Dubuque Saturday.
“I thought Jamel played extremely well tonight,” said coach Craig Douma. “He did a nice job attacking the rim and getting us going offensively. And Andre was great too. He was able to put the ball on the floor and score. He also knocked down some big shots as well.”
Central improved its record to 2-4 overall and 2-0 in conference play while Dubuque dropped to 5-2 overall and 0-2 in conference play.
Senior forward Malik Wildermuth (Normal, Ill., University HS) had 23 points and six rebounds.
“I thought Malik did a great job tonight,” said Douma. “He was active defensively and scored when we needed him to.”
Dubuque held a 42-38 advantage at the half but a 12-0 run to start the second half propelled Central into the lead.
Sophomore forward Seth Wood (Branson, Mo.) had nine points, including three 3-pointers and four rebounds.
“Seth did a nice job shooting the ball early in the game and grabbed some key rebounds for us,” said Douma.
Central outshot Dubuque 42 percent to 39.5 but were out rebounded 47-45.
Douma credits assistant Obinna Agomo for his in-game adjustments.
“I thought Obi did a great job with our rotations tonight,” he said. “I trusted him with the rotations and the guys delivered.”
The Dutch host 2016-17 conference champion Nebraska Wesleyan Wednesday for a women’s-men’s doubleheader in Pella at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium with the men beginning at 8 p.m. The Prairie Wolves enter the contest at 5-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play after a 94-85 home win over Simpson College Saturday. Live stats and a broadcast can be found at athletics.central.edu.
