PELLA — Following a slow start, sharp shooting in the second half propelled the Central College men's basketball to a tough 87-81 road win over Loras College Wednesday.
After shooting just 32.4% from the field in the first half, Central (16-8, 7-6 Iowa Conference) found itself down 36-27 in the locker room. The Dutch exploded for 60 points in the second half, including shooting 10-of-15 from behind the 3-point line.
"We challenged our guys at halftime and I thought they really responded," coach Craig Douma said. "Unfortunately, we didn't shoot very well in the first half and got out of what we wanted to do. We really stayed true to how we wanted to play in the second half and shot the ball really well."
Junior Austin Glawe (Aurelia, Iowa, Sioux Center HS) shot 11-of-14 from the field on his way to a season-high 28 points.
"He's really grown up as a player this year," Douma said. "His work ethic is unbelievable. He's always down in the fieldhouse shooting outside of practice. He really stepped up for us tonight."
Central free throw shooting prowess was once again valuable in late game situations, converting five of their last seven opportunities to stave off the Loras comeback attempt.
"We didn't shoot them probably as well as we have lately, but we made enough down the stretch," Douma said.
With the game on the line, the Dutch defense rose to the occasion and held the Duhawks without a basket for the final 1:46.
"We got a couple of key stops down the stretch," Douma said. "That's what you have to do, you have to find a way to make a stop,"
Three other Dutch players were in double figures, including Colby Taylor (junior, Creston) who had 19 points. Taylor also had led the team with nine rebounds.
The win guarantees Central a spot in the Iowa Conference tournament, starting next Tuesday. Pairings for the tournament will not be decided until after the completion of Saturday's games.
"It's impossible to tell where you're going to be at next week," Douma said. "The big thing is that we're in the tournament now."
Saturday's regular season finale at Dubuque will play a major role in seeding for the Dutch, who can still finish anywhere from No. 2 to No. 5 in the final standings. Central beat the Spartans 72-67 on January 13, handing the Spartans their first league loss of the year.
"We want to finish the week strong," Douma said. "It's going to be a tough one on the road at Dubuque. They're the conference champions but we got them at our place. They're thinking revenge and will be ready for us."
