News Release

PELLA, Iowa — Cold shooting proved costly as Cornell College jolted the Central College men’s basketball team Saturday 79-69.

Central connected on just 34.8 percent of its shots from the field (23-66) and a chilly 58.3 percent from the free throw line (14-24) in dropping to 9-11 overall and 4-9 in Iowa Conference play. The Dutch had defeated Cornell at Mt. Vernon Jan. 27 85-81.

That overshadowed a 12th double-double by center Clint Driftmier, who had 15 points and a career-high 17 rebounds, and a record-breaking effort from Central guard Brett De Hoogh. De Hoogh passed out seven assists, giving him 121 for the year, breaking the school season record of 117 set by Kevin Lowary in 1983-84.

Cornell, just 3-17 overall and 2-9 in the league, placed four players in double figures and shot 87 percent from the free throw line (20-23). Griffin LaDew had 17 points for the Rams.

Central fell behind 9-0 and faced an uphill battle much of the night. The Dutch quickly cut the gap to 9-8 only to have Cornell regain control. Central tied the score at 22-22 with 8:27 left in the half but trailed 36-28 at the break and never led.

Guard Zak Clark had 16 points and four assists while guard Chris Nelson had 14 points and five rebounds.

Central is at home again Tuesday, taking on Luther College in a women’s-men’s doubleheader. Game time is 8 p.m. at Kuyper Gym. Luther stopped the Dutch 72-63 at Decorah Jan. 18.