News Release

PELLA, Iowa — Central overcame a 34-point outburst by Dubuque’s Nick Thomas and captured an 81-73 Iowa Conference men’s basketball victory Tuesday night.

Forward Scott Huisman had 18 points and seven rebounds for Central while center Clint Driftmier, back after a late-December foot injury, had 17 points and nine boards. Guard Chris Nelson had 15 points, six assists and five rebounds.

Thomas hit 7-of-14 three-pointers for the Spartans, but was 2 of 10 from two-point range. He also had a game-high 12 rebounds and made four steals.

Central outshot the Spartans, 50.9 percent to 43.9, but was outrebounded, 34-32.

The Dutch were up 44-31 at halftime but Dubuque slowed the Central attack early in the second half. Central was limited to four points in the first seven minutes as the Spartans whittled the gap to 48-43 before a Driftmier bucket and a three-pointer by guard Doug Hooker gave the Dutch some breathing room.

Central extended the lead to 73-57 with 4:44 remaining before a late Spartan flurry. Dubuque, 5-6 overall and 0-3 in the Iowa Conference, was within 78-73 with 24 seconds left but guard Brett De Hoogh hit three free throws to secure the win.

Central, 4-8 overall and 2-2 in league play, is back on the road this weekend. The Dutch are in Waverly to face Wartburg Friday in an 8 p.m. contest before traveling to Mount Vernon Saturday for a 6 p.m. tilt with Cornell.