A sluggish first half doomed the Central College men’s basketball team in a 77-67 loss to Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.) Saturday afternoon.

The Dutch (4-2) were badgered by the relentless press of the Golden Gusties, resulting in 12 turnovers and just 22 points in the first half, before finishing the game with 20 total turnovers. Central was 9-27 from the field in the first half before turning it around by hitting 16 of 28 shots in the second half. Seven of Central’s 10 made three-pointers came after halftime. Leading scorer Kyle Cason came off the bench for 23 points, while Braylon Thomsen added 13 points by netting a trio of three-pointers. Grant Uecker was the only other Dutch player in double figures with 11. Anthony Gott led the team with 10 rebounds, while Owen Schipper had six assists.

Central starts the American Rivers Conference schedule Wednesday with a 7:30 pm game at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln.