The first Central Basketball victory of the new year took place Wednesday evening at Dubuque, as the Dutch and Spartans split a conference doubleheader. It was also the first conference win of the season for the Central women, as they were in control for the majority of a 59-46 win. A 14-11 lead after one quarter expanded to 29-19 at the half. Dubuque outscored the Dutch by four in the third quarter, but Central increased the lead to as many as 15 in the fourth on their way to the win.

Central had four players in double figures, led by Maci Gambell with 16. Kendall Brown, Carson Fisk and Kelsea Hurley each added 10. The Dutch improve to 9-6 overall and 1-5 in the conference.

It was not the same fortune for the Central men, as they dropped a 97-82 decision. After trailing 22-8 early on, the Dutch raced back to take a 36-35 lead late in the first half, but it would be the only Central lead of the game. Dubuque took control and led 45-40 at the half, and broke it open when the second half started. Despite shooting 50.9 percent from the floor, Central was outrebounded 45-33, a stat that proved to be monumental as the game wore on. It was the seventh consecutive loss for the Dutch.

It was another double-double for Caden Mauck, his ninth of the season, with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Adam Flinn added 24, and Kade Terrell rounded out those in double figures with 12. The Dutch drop to 4-11 overall and 1-5 in the conference. Central returns to action Saturday afternoon, hosting Nebraska Wesleyan. Pregame coverage begins at 1:45, with the tipoff of the women’s game at 2:00 on 92.1 KRLS.