News Release

PELLA, Iowa — Hitting a record-breaking 69.1 percent from the floor, the Central College men’s basketball team closed the pre-Christmas schedule with a 119-92 romp past MacMurray College (Ill.).

It was the third-highest point output in Central history. The Dutch record was set in a 124-83 rout of Coe College in 1991-92.

The inside tandem of Scott Huisman and Clint Driftmier racked up 28 and 27 points respectively and each had nine rebounds as Central improved to 3-4 while MacMurray slipped to 3-7. Driftmier was 12 of 14 from the floor while Huisman hit 12 of 18.

Guard Brett De Hoogh had a school-record 12 assists, bettering the mark of 10 set by Jeff Verhoef in 1978 and tied by Kevin Lowary in 1984.

Central posted the lofty numbers without even making a 3-point shot as easy buckets were plentiful. MacMurray subs five players every minute, using 16 players, none of whom was on the floor for more than 15 minutes. The Highlanders play a frantic, full-court pressure style that emphasizes quick 3-point shots and steal attempts. MacMurray’s pressure produced 31 Central turnovers but also countless mismatches beyond the half-court line that the Dutch exploited. Central’s only 3-point attempt came as time was expiring at the end of the first half, while MacMurray hit 11 of 48 threes, the most ever attempted by a Dutch opponent.

Central hit 47-of-68 shots while MacMurray shot just 31.8 percent, knocking down 34-of-107 attempts, also the most opponent attempts in Dutch history. Central had a 58-50 edge on the boards.

Dutch guard John Carlson had 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while forward Simeon Lang had 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Dutch coach Mike Boschee said his young squad adjusted well to MacMurray’s pressure.

“We started handling it better,” Boschee said. “The key was attacking, being aggressive, pass-faking and getting in the spots on the floor we wanted.”

Central gave up some baskets off turnovers but had an adequate defensive showing, Boschee said.

“We got to the shooters most of the time,” he said. “They average 30 offensive rebounds and that’s about what we gave up (31), but most of the shots were contested.

“It was an unconventional game, but it’s nice to get a win nonetheless.”

Central heads west after Christmas, competing in the Cal Lutheran Invitational in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Dec. 29-30. The Dutch take on the host school Dec. 29, then meet either Gettysburg (Pa.) or Carthage (Wis.) the following night.