The Central College men’s basketball squad used stifling defense to knock off Dubuque 68-58 Saturday, while the women’s team couldn’t overcome the Spartans dominance on the offensive glass in a 63-48 loss with both games heard live on 92.1 KRLS. 

The Central men limited the reigning American Rivers Conference Champions to a frigid 19.4% shooting in the first half in taking a 32-20 lead, and just 28.1% for the game. While Dubuque’s relentless pressure forced the Dutch into 19 turnovers, Central held a decisive 48-33 advantage on the glass.

The Dutch passed out 19 assists, patiently pounding the ball inside to center Joshua Van Gorp (junior, Pella, Pella Christian HS) who delivered a powerful performance with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Kade Terrell (5th-year, Montrose, Colo.) finished with 12 points, three assists and three steals while Kaleb Brand (junior, Mount Vernon) had 10 points and three assists, and Kole Tupa (junior, Center Point, Center Point-Urbana HS) passing out seven assists to go with eight points. 

In the women’s game, Dubuque (5-4 overall, 2-1 American Rivers) outrebounded the Dutch 59-36 and held a 22-10 advantage in offensive rebounds. The Spartans had 23 second-chance points. Despite an aggressive Dubuque zone press, the Dutch had only nine turnovers.

Central (3-6 overall, 0-2 conference) was also outshot from the field 36.1% to 28.1%. Guard Samantha Scott (sophomore, Davenport, North Scott HS) was the only Central player to reach double figures, scoring 13 points. Guard Kassidi Steel (junior, New Sharon, North Mahaska HS) had nine points. Center Allison Van Gorp (sophomore, Pella, Pella Christian HS) and guard Abby Johnson (sophomore, Ankeny) each had six rebounds while freshman point guard Jasmyn Williams (Denver, Colo., Arvada West HS) had four assists and a pair of steals.

Central continues league play next Saturday at Cedar Rapids with a women’s-men’s doubleheader at Coe College, with the women’s contest starting at 2 p.m.