DUBUQUE— Despite trailing for 32 minutes, the Central College men's basketball team upset the No. 1 seed the University of Dubuque 78-71 in overtime Thursday night.
           
In an even first half that saw Dubuque (20-6, 14-2 American Rivers) leading by four points at halftime, the Dutch held the Spartans to 26 points on 8-of-36 (22.2%) from the field in the second half. Despite this cold shooting, Jalen McCants tied the game in the waning seconds with an offensive rebound and put-back layup.
           
In overtime, Central shot 3-of-6 from the field, while continuing its stout defense holding Dubuque to six points on 2-of-10 shooting to close out the win.
           
"I loved our toughness, we trailed for a big part of this game, but our men kept fighting," said coach Joe Steinkamp. "We got a lot of good looks in the second half and into overtime and our team made some big shots. I want to credit the leadership of Joshua Van Gorp (5th-year, Pella, Pella Christian HS) and Kaleb Brand (5th-year, Mount Vernon) staying positive and it rubbed off on everyone today."
           
Van Gorp had his sixth game of 30 or more points this season with 32 points. He added 13 rebounds and two blocked shots.
           
"Van Gorp was great all night long," said Steinkamp. "He wore out Dubuque in the paint."
           
The Dutch (16-11, 9-7 American Rivers) totaled 17 assists on their 28 made field goals with Brand leading the team with seven and Bradley Curren (sophomore, Harlan) adding five. Brand added 15 points and nine rebounds and Curren scored three points.
           
"Curren had a great game with five assists and only one turnover and Brand made a ton of clutch baskets," Steinkamp said.
           
Karson Wehde (sophomore, Ankeny) also reached double figures with 12 points while also collecting six rebounds.
           
"I really loved how Wehde played on defense. He made [Dubuque's leading scorer] really earn his baskets."
           
Freshmen Owen Schipper (Waukee) and Grant Uecker (Urbandale) both had productive games as well. Schipper's lone points came on a three in overtime, he also had 12 rebounds and three assists. Uecker scored nine points and added seven rebounds.
           
The Dutch advance to the American Rivers Conference Championship game Saturday at 7 p.m. and they will hit the road to face Nebraska Wesleyan University. It is the first time the squad will play for the championship since the 2017-18 season.
           
"Nebraska Wesleyan is a really good team," said Steinkamp. "We split with them this season and had times where we played well and also had times when we struggled. We are excited to continue to compete as a team."
           
"Our fans were amazing tonight. We love our support and at times, tonight, it felt like a home game."