The Dutch (8-11 overall, 5-6 conference) were down by as much as seven in the first half, but clawed their way back to take a 36-35 lead at halftime. The Beavers (13-5 overall, 8-2 conference) responded 24-point run early in the second half gave to gain a 61-40 advantage with 12:30 left in regulation.
Guards Miguel Ley and Zak Clark led the Dutch with 12 and 11 points respectively. Center Clint Driftmier was held to eight points but grabbed 11 rebounds. Buena Vista had four players in double-digits, led by Andre Wagner and Brian Fogleman with 15 points apiece.
Central sank a respectable 43.9 percent of their attempts, but couldn’t keep up with Buena Vista’s hot shooting. The Beavers shot 57.4 percent, including 65.6 percent in the second half. Central outrebounded Buena Vista 34-30, but committed 18 turnovers to Buena Vista’s eight.
The Dutch return to action Saturday at home, facing off against Loras College in an Iowa Conference women’s-men’s twinbill with the men playing at 4 p.m. at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. The Duhawks defeated Central 82-60 in Dubuque Jan. 6 and carry a perfect 10-0 record in conference play.