A loud and raucous crowd inside of P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium witnessed a split decision between Central and Simpson basketball teams last night, in games heard live on KNIAKRLS.com.
Simpson’s women began the evening with an 89 – 74 triumph over the Dutch. The Storm scored at least 20 points in all four quarters, and their backcourt press forced Central into several turnovers; 26 to be exact. Sophomore Jenna Taylor, the younger sister of former Central men’s basketball star Colby Taylor, scored a game-and-career high 33 points and collected seven rebounds to lead Simpson. The Dutch were led by another double-double effort from Jackie Kriegel, who scored 14 points and grabbed ten boards.
Central’s women fall to 7 – 10 overall and 2 – 6 in the conference, while Simpson improves to 11 – 6 and 5 – 3, respectively.
Central’s men led most of the way, and had to withstand a second-half push to calm the Storm, 93 – 87. The win came despite Simpson turning the ball over just three times for the game, and zero times in the second half. Central got out to a 69 – 57 lead midway through the second, but Simpson surged with a 13 – 0 run. The Dutch answered back quickly to retake the advantage they wouldn’t relinquish.
Kyle Smith scored 24 points, Malik Wildermuth had 23, and Seth Wood dumped in 19 for Central. Simpson had five players in double figures, with Conor Riordan scoring a team-high 18 points, and bench player John Barbee putting in 17.
Central improves to 7 – 10 overall and 4 – 4 in league play, while Simpson falls to 9 – 7 and 5 – 3 inside the IIAC. The Dutch will next play at Cedar Rapids this Saturday versus Coe to begin their second trip through the conference.