CEDAR RAPIDS—Central College erased a nine-point first-half road deficit but Coe College took command in the final minute for a 63-60 American Rivers women's basketball decision Saturday.
           
The Dutch scrambled back after trailing 27-22 at the half and even took a 40-39 lead heading into the fourth quarter after a pair of free throws from guard Kelsea Hurley (senior, Scottsdale, Ariz., Desert Mountain HS). Central was still within 56-55 with 1:54 left but a 6-1 Coe surge all but sealed the verdict.
           
Hurley finished 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting with three assists and six rebounds.
           
"I love when Kelsea is aggressive," coach Moran Lonning said. "That not only allows her to be in position to score but it puts others in position to score because it draws so much attention."
           
Center Allison Van Gorp (junior, Pella, Pella Christian HS) had 16 points and a game-high 15 boards for her seventh career statistical double-double and the second this season in just her fifth game. Guard Kassidi Steel (junior, New Sharon, North Mahaska HS) also had three assists with two steals and two blocks.
           
"I thought Kassidi had some big plays for us as well," Lonning said. "She causes havoc on defense but offensively she was able to get us going when we were pretty stagnant and not scoring. She and Allison (Van Gorp) have a really good dynamic together."
           
Central outshot Coe 39.3% to 35.8% and held a 38-32 advantage on the glass.
           
"We played a tough game against a good Coe team," Lonning said. "We won the battle of the boards, which was our goal. And I think that was a big key to keep us in the game."
           
The Dutch were without the team's leading scorer, guard Abby Johnson (sophomore, Ankeny) due to injury.
           
The squad's focus turns to fall semester exams this week before one more non-conference game before Christmas break, traveling to Mankato, Minnesota to meet Bethany Lutheran College (Minn.) in a 2 p.m. game. Bethany Lutheran took a 1-6 record into a Saturday game against Northland College (Wis.) and also has a Wednesday game with the University of Wisconsin-River Falls before meeting Central. The Dutch will then be off until Dec. 30.
           
"We just have to keep building off of each game and each practice," Lonning said. "Keep learning and growing."