PELLA — There is a reason they play two halves of basketball.
            The Central College men's basketball team finished off a 73-64 comeback victory over the University of Dubuque Wednesday. The Dutch faced a 34-25 halftime deficit, but utilized a 48-point second half to overcome the Spartans.
            "We just didn't make shots in the first half," said coach Craig Douma. "In the second half, we were able to knock down shots and we brought a different energy to the floor. We made a change at halftime and put Trashawn Boyd (junior, Normal, Ill., University HS) on their top scorer and he played great defense."
            Central (6-1, 1-1 conference) was led by senior forward Colby Taylor (Creston) with 17 points and 10 rebounds, his fifth double-double on the season. Taylor averages 25.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in 2016.
            "We were able to get Colby some post touches in the second half which made a difference," said Douma. "Colby was able to get it going from outside too, he had 15 points in the second half."
    Senior guard Pete Walker (Red Oak) had 16 points and eight rebounds, guard Kyle Smith (junior, Ionia, New Hampton HS) had 12 points and three assists and senior forward Austin Glawe (Aurelia, Sioux Central HS) added nine points and five rebounds.
    Before breaking for finals, the Dutch will resume action Saturday against No. 13-ranked Washington-St. Louis University (Mo.) at 3 p.m. at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. The Bears are coming off a 103-64 victory over Fontbonne University (Mo.) Tuesday night.
    Central is eager for Saturday, according to Douma.  
    "It's a statement game for us," he said. "It's a special weekend for us, we have our alumni coming back for the game, it should be a great atmosphere for everyone in Pella to enjoy."