Central men’s basketball team falls on the road

ST. PETER- Despite leading at halftime, the Central College men’s basketball team was unable to stop a hot shooting Gustavus Adolphus University (Minn.) squad and lost 75-73.

“It was a back-and-forth game between two evenly matched teams,” said coach Joe Steinkamp. “(Gustavus Adolphus) made a lot of big three pointers down the stretch and that was the difference.”

The Golden Gusties (2-1) shot 47.9% from the field and 12-27 from three-point land. Central (1-2) shot 47.5% from the field and 26% from behind the three-point line.

Owen Schipper (freshman, Waukee) reached double figures for the first time in his career scoring 23 points on 7-14 shooting including 6-13 from behind the three-point line. He also added six rebounds, three assists and a steal.

“Schipper played a great all-around game,” Steinkamp said. “His mix of shooting, defense and playmaking were on display tonight.”

Joshua Van Gorp (5th-year, Pella, Pella Christian HS) recorded his third double-double of the season scoring 24 points on 10-12 shooting and collecting 13 rebounds with three being offensive rebounds.

“Van Gorp had another big night against a high level and physical defender,” said Steinkamp. “(The Golden Gusties) threw double teams at him all night and he responded well.”

Off the bench Taylor Birks (senior, Adel, Van Meter HS) scored seven points, grabbed six rebounds, blocked two shots and added an assist.

“Birks continues to bring it with effort plays and we liked the spark he gave us off of the bench tonight,” Steinkamp said.

Kaleb Brand (5th-year, Mount Vernon) led the team with nine assists, while also scoring four points and adding a steal. Bradley Curren (sophomore, Harlan) scored eight points and Karson Wehde (sophomore, Ankeny) scored seven points while also adding two assists.

The Dutch return to the court Saturday at 5 p.m. when they travel to Mount Vernon and take on Cornell College.