News Release

PELLA, Iowa — As its longest winning streak in 11 years extended to five games, the Central College men’s basketball team resumed Iowa Conference play with an 85-76 victory over the University of Dubuque Wednesday.

Center Clint Driftmier continued his sizzling season, dropping a season-high 28 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks on the Spartans for his eighth double-double in nine games. He hit 12 of 16 shots from the floor. Guard Zak Clark added 23 points and five assists while guard Brett De Hoogh passed out eight assists for Central (6-3 overall, 1-1 conference).

Dubuque (7-2 overall, 0-2 conference, got 19 points from Nick Thomas but fell behind 26-7 in the opening 10 minutes. Central made it 30-10 before the Spartans battled back behind strong 3-point shooting and it was 45-34 at intermission.

Central stretched the lead to 57-40 in the first four minutes of the second half. Dubuque scratched its way to within 57-50 with 14:34 remaining, only to have the Dutch reel off nine unanswered points.

“We had good starts in both halves, which is always important,” coach Mike Boschee said. “At the start of the first half, we played extremely well. We were moving the ball and having a little fun.”

Boschee said Driftmier is contributing more than points and rebounds.

“Clint’s just raising his level of play,” he said. “He’s very competitive and tough-minded. You need that on a basketball team. Having the will to win is so important and Clint certainly has that.”

Boschee said the Dutch will need continued improvement as they tackle a difficult four-game stretch in eight days, starting with a 4 p.m. league game with Simpson College Saturday at Kuyper Gym. The contest will be broadcast on KRLS-FM (92.1).

“These next four games will test our mental toughness in every way,” Boschee said.