Playing at West Gym at the University of Northern Iowa, Central (3-8 overall, 1-1 conference) was a chilly 10-of-35 from the floor (28.6 percent) in the first half and trailed 50-30 at the break, but used a second-half surge to outscore Wartburg (7-4 overall, 2-0 conference) 41-30 the rest of the way.
Porter had scored 25 points against Ashford Dec. 15 and followed with 26 at Dordt College last Saturday. Wednesday night she knocked down four of eight 3-point buckets and was nine-of-11 at the free throw line while pulling down seven rebounds with three assists and three steals in a furious 36 minutes of action. She upped her season scoring average to 17.9 points. Forward Emily De Jong turned in one of her more productive efforts of the season with 13 points and eight rebounds. Guard Amber Smith shared the team rebound lead with eight. The Dutch committed just nine turnovers but couldn’t overcome 33.3 percent shooting for the game and were outrebounded 51-42.
Wartburg’s Elizabeth Campbell had 19 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Central heads to Dubuque for another league doubleheader Saturday, taking on Loras College with the women’s game tipping off at 2 p.m. Loras (5-6 overall, 1-1 conference) swept the Dutch in two games last season. The Duhawks knocked off Luther College Wednesday night at Dubuque, 63-54.