Central men's basketball comeback thwarted in loss to Dubuque

Owen Schipper collected his first career double-double

by Peter Leithauser

Dubuque, IA (01/20/2025) — The Central College men's basketball team cut a 16-point second half deficit to three but could not get over the hump and lost to the University of Dubuque 74-67.

After trailing at halftime 37-30 when Dubuque shot 51.7% from the field, the Dutch defense held the opponent to just 35.5% from the field in the second half.

"We played good enough on defense to win today," said coach Joe Steinkamp. "Our offense, despite being balanced scoring wise, wasn't sharp enough to win on the road."

Kaleb Brand (5th-year, Mount Vernon) led Central in points and assists with 16 points and six assists. He added two steals and one blocked shot. Joshua Van Gorp (5th-year, Pella, Pella Christian HS) scored 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting while also collecting seven rebounds and two steals.

Owen Schipper (freshman, Waukee) had his first career double-double when he scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Karson Wehde (sophomore, Ankeny) scored 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting while also collecting nine rebounds two steals and one assist.

"Wehde did a great job on defense, his hands were everywhere," Steinkamp said.

Off the bench, Grant Uecker (freshman, Urbandale) scored six points and Will Hendricksen (senior, Cedar Rapids, Marion) added five points.

"Our bench did a great job of giving us a lift," said Steinkamp.

As a team the Dutch shot 42.2% from the field but only 29.6% from three compared to Dubuque who shot 43.3% from the field and 40% from three. The Spartans also won the turnover battle 15-10.

The Dutch return home and take on Luther College Wednesday at 7:30 in the P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.

"We need to regroup and get better in some areas," Steinkamp said. "We are excited to get back home and play in front of our fans and students."

Joshua

Van Gorp