Clutch free throw shooting keys win for Central women’s basketball team
Central College
DES MOINES— The Central College women’s basketball team went 6-for-7 at the free throw line in the final two minutes and got a crucial defensive stop late to earn a 56-51 victory against AIB Wednesday.
After a basket by forward Jackie Kriegel (freshman, Marengo, Iowa Valley HS) extended the Central (6-1) lead to 54-51 with 32 seconds to play, AIB (4-8) brought the ball up needing a 3-pointer to tie the game. The Dutch played tight defense before guard Rachel Evans (senior, Fort Dodge) came up with one of her six steals, got fouled and hit two free throws to seal the victory for Central.
“Rachel did a great job in her role and brought a lot of energy,” said coach Chelsea Petersen. “I thought overall it was just a great team defensive effort down the stretch.”
Both teams struggled to score in the first half and were tied at 14 with five minutes to play in the opening half. The Dutch pulled away late in the half, taking a 28-19 lead into the locker room at halftime thanks to five 3-pointers by guard Mariah Swartzentruber (sophomore, Kalona, Mid Prairie HS), who finished the night with a game-high 18.
“AIB played an extended zone that we haven’t seen all year,” said Petersen. “Once we adjusted, Mariah did a great job of knocking down shots.”
Central scored 12 of the first 13 points in the second half to take a 40-22 lead before AIB changed the momentum and starting chipping away. The Eagles went on an 18-3 run tie the game up at 43 with 5:44 to play.
“AIB switched defenses and I don’t think we responded well to that adjustment,” said Petersen. “We started missing some shots on the offensive end and we didn’t defend as well on the defensive end.”
With the game tied Petersen called timeout and challenged her team to have poise and play tough defense.
“Our effort was great after that timeout,” said Petersen. “I felt like our team really locked in and got defensive stops and executed offensively. We made some key adjustments down the stretch and I thought my coaching staff did an excellent job.”
Petersen said defense and knocking down late free throws allowed the Dutch to earn the victory. Evans was a perfect 9-for-9 from the charity stripe, including 4-for-4 down the stretch. She ended the night with 17 points.
“Overall our free throw shooting tonight was better than it has been,” said Petersen. “We don’t win the game unless we step up and hit free throws in the closing minutes.”
The Central coach was pleased with how her team responded after AIB took the lead late.
“We are a young team and we were able to lose a lead and then come back and have enough composure to come away with the win,” said Petersen. “It’s a huge road win for our team.”
AIB had three players in double figures with Alexyss Burkhartsmeier leading the way with 14.
The Dutch will return home to take on Augustana (Ill.) (2-3) Saturday at 2 p.m.
