PELLA— A fast start launched the Central College men's basketball team to a 63-56 win Sunday over Marian University (Wis.) in the title game at the NBC Tip Off Classic hosted by the University of Wisconsin – Superior.
           
Anthony Gott (sophomore, Davenport, North Scott HS) started the scoring for Central with a tip-in layup at the 18:25 mark of the first half, giving the Dutch (2-0) a lead they would never relinquish.
           
Central extended its lead to as much as 15 in the second half before Marian (1-1) closed the gap to 56-54 with two minutes left in the second half. The Dutch closed on a 9-2 run to seal the win.
           
Grant Uecker (sophomore, Urbandale) led the Dutch with 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Owen Schipper (sophomore, Waukee) had 11 points and seven rebounds. Alex Ruba (junior, Ames, Gibert HS) gave Central a third player with seven boards.
           
Central goes to Minnesota for a pair of games next weekend, starting with a visit to Collegeville to play the Saint John's University at 7 p.m.