First-half surge carries Central to women’s basketball win
Central College
GRINNELL—A 12-0 run late in the first half pushed the Central College women’s basketball team to a 62-49 victory against Grinnell College Thursday.
Facing a five-point deficit with eight minutes remaining in the opening half, the Dutch called a timeout and regrouped. Central clawed within one with a layup from guard Alyssa Schwartz (junior, Titonka, WCLT HS) and back-to-back free throws from forward Nicole Strasko (junior, Roland, Roland-Story HS).
“We weren’t in sync like we were Tuesday night,” coach Mike Jacobsma said. “That’s really a credit to Grinnell. But we challenged the players in the timeout and they responded. They were resilient and didn’t fold. They found a way to get ahead and hold the lead.”
Six of Central’s next eight points came from guard Sarah Paulson (senior, Ottumwa). The Dutch limited the Pioneers to just one basket the rest of the half, a 3-pointer at 19 seconds, and took a 30-23 lead into the locker room.
“Our defense played much better,” Jacobsma said. “We secured every loose rebound and ball. We really just gutted it out to win the game.”
Grinnell was never closer than seven points the rest of the night. Central held a 42-31 rebounding advantage and collected seven offensive boards.
“Our goal is plus 10 rebounds every night,” Jacobsma said. “The players were excited to reach that goal tonight.”
Strasko led the Dutch with a game-high 16 points. Paulson had 14 points and a game-high nine rebounds and forward AJ Baker (senior, Grinnell) had 13 points and six rebounds. Forward Kelsey Schuring (senior, Pella) chipped in nine points.
The Dutch (2-0) shot 42 percent from the floor and made 17 trips to the free-throw line, including eight from Strasko.
Central hosts Monmouth (Ill.) College (0-1) in its home opener Saturday at 4 p.m. at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. The Dutch hold a 3-0 advantage in the all-time series. Central last met the Fighting Scots in 2008 and recorded an 84-76 win.
A video webcast and live stats will be available through Central’s website at www.central.edu/athletics.
