PELLA — Central College senior forward Malik Wildermuth (Normal, Ill., University HS) had 21 points, including three trifectas in a 92-81 home loss to Buena Vista University Saturday evening.

With 8:37 remaining in the first half Central led 28-19 before Buena Vista closed the half with a 26-9 run.

"We didn't finish the first half tonight," said coach Craig Douma. "I thought we had some open shots that didn't go down. If we make those we could have put the game out of reach by going up 15 or 20."

Wildermuth grabbed four rebounds and dished out four assists to go along with his 21 points.

"Malik played a nice game tonight," said Douma. "He hit a couple of threes early and was able to attack."

Junior guard Jamel McKnight (Austin, Texas, Hendrickson HS) had 13 points, all in the second half, five rebounds and dished out three assists.

"Jamel did a much better job offensively in the second half," said Douma.

Senior forward Kyle Smith (Grand River, New Hampton HS) had 11 points.

Senior reserve guard Jacob Hay (Stanwood, North Cedar HS) had nine points after connecting on three 3-pointers in the first half.

"Jacob provided a spark off the bench in the first half," said Douma. "He hit a few threes and played aggressive defense for us."

Buena Vista outshot Central 53.7 percent to 40 and controlled the glass 42-31. The Beavers connected 26-of-33 from the charity stripe to help ice the game down the stretch.

"Give a lot of credit to Buena Vista," said Douma. "They made shots and then were able to hit free throws at the end of the game."

Central returns to P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium Wednesday with a women's-men's doubleheader against Loras College with the men beginning at 8 p.m. Loras enters the contest 15-5 overall and 8-3 in Iowa Conference play after a 79-76 home loss to Coe College Saturday. Loras won the first matchup 109-92 in Dubuque January 15. A video webcast and live stats will be available at athletics.central.edu.