That snapped a five-game Wartburg win streak over the Dutch, who got a statistical double-double from center Clint Driftmier with 16 points and 11 rebounds as they improved to 2-0 in Iowa Conference play and 5-5 overall.
Central shot 68.2 percent from the floor in the first half, yet trailed by as many as six points early in the game and was tied at the break 42-42. But the Dutch turned up the defensive intensity in the second half as Wartburg (6-5 overall, 0-2 conference) hit just 29.6 percent from the field. Meanwhile Central knocked down 14 of 20 shots in the half for a scorching 70 percent, and was five-of-eight from 3-point range. Leading 59-57 with 10:17 left, the Dutch used an 11-4 run capped by a Clark 3-pointer to make it 70-61 at the 7-minute mark.
“We played pretty solid the whole way but it helped when Zak (Clark) got hot midway through the second half,” coach Mike Boschee said. “And our defense did a good job of identifying their shooters. Everybody pitched in.”
Clark hit nine of 12 shots from the field, including five of seven 3-point attempts while also passing out five assists with three steals. Guard Miguel Ley had 12 points, five rebounds and two assists. Forward Keith Pedersen had 10 points and seven boards. No Central player missed more than three shots.
Central’s 69.0 percent effort topped the old school mark of 66.1 percent set in an 85-57 NCAA Division III playoff win over Minnesota-Morris in 1979. The Dutch shot 79.3 percent from the field in the second half that night.
Boschee also cited Sim Lang, who made his first season start at forward, chipping in five points and freshman forward Jordan Leuschen, who contributed a career-high seven off the bench.
“Sim (Lang) played within himself and did a really good job on defense,” Boschee said. “Jordan took what came to him and also played good defense. He was a big help off the bench.
“Miguel Ley played like we know he can. He did a nice job of backing up Brett De Hoogh when Brett got in foul trouble. And Keith Pedersen stepped up. He was aggressive offensively and on the boards.”
The Dutch journey to Dubuque for a league women’s-men’s twinbill Saturday with Loras College. The men’s contest tips off at approximately 4 p.m. Loras (6-5 overall, 2-0 conference) has won the last 11 meetings with Central, with the Dutch last winning in 2001. The Duhawks were 59-49 winners over Luther Wednesday night at Dubuque.