Quiet third quarter dooms Dutch in women’s basketball loss
Central Dutch Athletics
PELLA — After holding a 34-32 halftime lead, the Central College women’s basketball team faltered in the third period on its way to a 77-68 loss to Iowa Conference foe Luther College Saturday afternoon.
Central jumped out to a 40-32 lead after the break before Luther seized the lead with a 22-4 run to end the third quarter.
“The difference in the game today was the third quarter,” said coach Joe Steinkamp. “We were able to come out of the half and extend our lead but Luther responded with a run of their own. We weren’t able to get stops defensively and our shots just didn’t fall. I thought we were able to get some good looks.”
Senior point guard Jessica Helton (Nevada) led Central with 17 points, including 5-of-8 from three-point territory and dished out five assists.
Senior forward Tina Lane (Williamsburg) recorded her first career statistical double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
“Tina did a great job of being aggressive tonight,” said Steinkamp. “When she’s aggressive down in the post she’s hard to stop. There were a few times where the defense was calling out her move and she was still able to score.”
Junior guard Kristin Hubert (Moville, Woodbury Central HS) poured in a career-high 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc.
“Kristin gave us a nice spark off the bench,” said Steinkamp. “We did a nice job driving and kicking to her and she did a nice job making the open shots.”
The league’s leading rebounder was at it again Saturday, senior Jackie Kriegel (Marengo, Iowa Valley HS) grabbed 12 rebounds, scored six points and dished out three assists.
“Extremely proud of how Jackie Kriegel competed again tonight,” said Steinkamp. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone play with such energy. She was everywhere out there.”
Luther (16-9, 10-4 conference) outshot Central 46.8 percent to 40 but the Dutch won the battle on the glass 36-34.
Next up for Central is a trip to Lincoln, Neb. for a women’s-men’s doubleheader with Nebraska Wesleyan University with the women beginning at 6 p.m. The Dutch won the first matchup 86-77 in Pella December 6. The Prairie Wolves enter the contest 13-11 overall and 4-11 in conference play after a 99-83 road loss to No. 2-ranked Wartburg College Saturday.
