Pella, Iowa -- 2/19/25-_Central College men's Basketball vs Nebraska Wesleyan. Photo by Dan L. Vander Beek

Grant Uecker’s 11-point spurt in the final three minutes gave the Central men’s basketball team a chance in a 74-71 loss at Saint John’s University (Minn.) Friday night.

The Dutch (2-1) were trailing 66-60 with 2:43 remaining when Uecker caught fire. He hit consecutive 3-point field goals and another jumper to level the game at 68-68. The Johnnies scored four more points to take a 72-68 lead before Uecker hit another triple with 16 seconds remaining to bring Central within one. After Saint John’s made two more free throws, Owen Schipper had a chance to tie it at the buzzer but his 3-pointer rimmed out. Uecker finished with 24 points with four made 3-pointers. Anthony Gott added 12 points, while Schipper had a double-double with 10 points and 17 rebounds. Uecker led the team with three assists and Gott had a pair of blocks.

Central is back in action today at Augsburg University (Minn.) at 5 pm.