But rapidly improving Clint Driftmier proved his opening-night 22-point, 10-rebound performance was no fluke, coming back with 22 points, 14 boards and three blocks for the Dutch, now 1-1. The 6-foot-10 center hit eight of 11 shots from the floor and is shooting a steamy 81.8 percent through two games.
Bethel (3-0) never trailed, although Central clawed to within a few points on a couple occasions. The Royals led 37-33 at halftime and surged to a 60-46 advantage with 13:03 left. Central cut the lead to 64-56 but then John Carlson’s 3-pointer rimmed out and Bethel ran off nine unanswered points to settle the issue.
Bethel has some young talent of its own, getting 17 points and five rebounds off the bench from 6-10 freshman Andy Cook. Tim Gilbert had 14 points for the Royals and Travis Jones had 12.
Forward Keith Pedersen had another solid effort for Central with 17 points and seven rebounds. Guard Brett De Hoogh had 10 points and Carlson had nine.
Central held a 44-33 edge on the boards, but committed 18 turnovers. Bethel outshot the Dutch, 47.8 percent to 44.4, and Central was just two of 11 from 3-point range.
Central started three freshmen again as junior guard Chris Nelson and senior forward Scott Huisman are sidelined. Second-year coach Mike Boschee hopes to have both available when the Dutch make their Iowa Conference debut at Pella next Tuesday against Simpson College. Game time is 8 p.m. at Kuyper Gym.