Clark free throws trip Central in Florida

Central College

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA.—The Central College women’s basketball team saw an 11-point lead disappear as Clark (Mass.) University escaped the Dutch, 59-54 Thursday morning at the Land of Magic Classic.

Central held a 20-9 advantage midway through the first half before Clark (8-3) erased the deficit with a 15-4 run and tied the score 24-24. The Cougars carried a 35-32 edge into the break and held on the remainder of the game, taking advantage of 26 Dutch fouls, a season-high. Clark hit 29 shots from the charity stripe, including 18 in the second half.

“They (Clark) had 38 free-throw attempts compared to our 17,” coach Mike Jacobsma said. “That’s the stat of the game. They did enough things right to get to the line and then they made the shots.”

Central was outshot from the floor 34.1 percent to 27.9 and was held scoreless from long range in the second half. The Dutch won the rebound battle, 47-37, and collected 21 offensive boards. Central committed a season-low 12 turnovers.

“Turnovers have kind of been our nemesis all season,” Jacobsma said. “We took care of the ball today which allowed us to get 68 shots up but we just didn’t make enough.”

Forward AJ Baker (senior, Grinnell) led the Dutch with 17 points and guard Alyssa Schwartz (junior, Titonka, WCLT HS) had 13. Guard Sarah Paulson (senior, Ottumwa) chipped in 10 points and had a game-high nine rebounds.

Central (4-7) returns to Iowa Conference action Wednesday with a women’s-men’s doubleheader against Wartburg College at Waverly. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. and KRLS-FM (92.1) will have a live broadcast.

“We need to put a total game together,” Jacobsma said. “We’re going to be in a lot of five-point games and it’s time to starting winning those close ones.”