Dutch men’s basketball rally falls short against Eagles
Central Dutch Athletics
LA CROSSE, WIS. — A career high 19 points from Central College senior forward Malik Wildermuth (Normal, Ill., University HS) was not enough to lead the Dutch over Wis.-La Crosse Saturday, falling 81-70.
There were six lead changes in the first half before the game was tied at 28. Wis.-La Crosse (2-0) finished the first half with 17-6 run. Central (0-2) battled back to cut the deficit to five, 56-51 but the Dutch couldn’t close the gap.
“Turnovers were the story of the game tonight,” said coach Craig Douma. “We were right there with them tied and then we turned the ball over too much and gave them the separation they needed.”
Central had 22 turnovers including 13 in the opening half.
Senior guard Trashawn Boyd (Normal, Ill., University HS) returned from injury and had 12 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Wildermuth and Boyd were the only Dutch in double-figures but had seven teammates score.
“I thought Malik played really well tonight,” said Douma. “We challenged him to guard their best player and he did a great job. It was great to have Trashawn back from injury. He’ll continue to work himself back and will only get better.”
Senior forward Kyle Smith (Grand River, New Hampton HS) was 3-for-6 from beyond the arc for nine points.
The Eagles escaped with the rebound battle 36-35 but controlled the paint with 38 points in the paint compared to the Dutch 20.
Central heads to high potent Grinnell College Tuesday evening for a 7 p.m. tip. Following Thanksgiving, the Dutch have their first home game of the season Saturday against Gustavus Adolphus (Minn.) at a newly scheduled 3 p.m.
