Puerto Rico trip ends with victory for Dutch men’s basketball squad
Central College
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — It was a low-scoring, defensive affair Tuesday in San Juan, but the Central College men’s basketball team made the key baskets down the stretch in a 62-55 win over Vassar (N.Y.).
Central held the Brewers to 29 percent shooting behind the arc, and knocked down 40 percent themselves, nailing 10-of-25 attempts. Both squads shot 40 percent overall. Central won the rebounding battle 36-27.
“We defended well for 40 minutes today,” coach Craig Douma said. “I thought we came out in the second half and got some key defensive stops when we needed them.”
It was a two-point Dutch lead with under three minutes to play and Douma was proud of the way his team finished.
“We showed some confidence today,” he said. “We responded when the game got close and made the most of our limited possessions.”
Sophomore guard Kyle Smith (Ionia, Iowa/New Hampton HS) led Central with a career-high 17 on 5-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range.
“We challenged Kyle at halftime and he responded,” Douma said. “He shot the ball well in the second half and played well for us.”
Junior forward Colby Taylor (Creston, Iowa) added 11 points and nine rebounds, while junior forward Ryan Kunkel (Solon, Iowa) went for four points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Junior guard Nate Munn (Ames, Iowa) tacked on six points.
“Nate made two crucial 3-pointers when we had our backs against the wall,” Douma said.
Douma thinks the trip will play a key role in his team’s success this season.
“We were challenged this week,” he said. “We played two really good teams who exposed some of our weaknesses. We can use this to get better.”
The Dutch will remain in Puerto Rico to practice before heading back to the mainland for Iowa Conference play next Wednesday at Luther College in Decorah, with a women’s-men’s doubleheader. The men’s contest is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Central was victorious in both meetings with the Norse last season, 92-89 in Pella and 70-69 in Decorah. Luther took a 1-8 mark into a pair of games in Texas in the next two days.
“Obviously, we still have plenty of stuff to work on,” Douma said. “With two road games to open conference play, it’s going to be tough. We have to get better and get ready for the grind.”
