Buena Vista outshoots Central men’s basketball team

STORM LAKE—Torrid 3-point shooting carried Buena Vista University to an 86-70 victory over the Central College men’s basketball team Wednesday.

Buena Vista hit 13 3-point goals, including a 6-of-7 night from guard Michael Demers, who had 22 points. Central shot 50.9% from the field, but Buena Vista (8-8 overall, 5-2 conference) hit 52.4% and also shot 50% from 3-point range.

“They really shot 3-pointers well,” coach Craig Douma said. “Even their bigs were shooting them well.”

The Dutch (3-11 overall, 0-6 American Rivers) were outrebounded 32-20 and Buena Vista took advantage with a 19-4 advantage in second-chance points.

“I was disappointed in our rebounding,” Douma said.

Forward Sam Beatty (junior, Mount Pleasant) had 16 points while Joshua Van Gorp (sophomore, Pella, Pella Christian HS) had 15.

“Sam really stepped up,” Douma said. “He didn’t shoot 3-pointers very well but he really finished around the basket. Josh had another nice game as well.”

Guard Drew Edwards (junior, Eden Prairie, Minn.) scored nine points and added six rebounds with four assists. Forward Kole Tupa (sophomore, Center Point, Center Point-Urbana HS) passed out five assists.

Buena Vista rolled up a 43-32 lead at halftime and quickly stretched it to 56-38 just three minutes into the second half, maintaining a double-digit advantage the rest of the way.

“We really battled, but the way they started the second half, with 13 points in three minutes, hurt us,” Douma said.

Central is home Saturday to meet Luther College in a league contest. The start time has been moved to 3 p.m. at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. A video webcast and live stats for the game will be available through the Central athletics website at athletics.central.edu. The game will also be broadcast on KRLS Radio (92.1 FM) with Tyler Crabb calling the action.

Luther was off Wednesday. The Norse are 4-9 overall and 1-4 in conference play.