LINCOLN, NEB.— For the first time since the 2015-16 season, the Central College men's basketball team has won the American Rivers Conference Tournament championship.
           
The Dutch (17-11, 9-7 American Rivers) defeated Nebraska Wesleyan 68-57 to earn their fourth conference tournament championship.
           
"It was an unbelievable game, and I am so proud of our guys," said coach Joe Steinkamp. "I am also proud that our seniors will get to experience the national tournament. It was always our goal to reach the national tournament, and we accomplished it. Even during our four-game losing streak late in the season, Van Gorp and Brand led tis team and they are the best leaders you can have.
           
Joshua Van Gorp (5th-year, Pella, Pella Christian HS) led the team with 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting. He added nine rebounds, one assist, two blocks and three steals.
           
"Van Gorp played a great game on the biggest stage on both ends of the floor," said Steinkamp.
           
Karson Wehde (sophomore, Ankeny) scored 13 points while also collecting nine rebounds. Owen Schipper (freshman, Waukee) contributed 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Grant Uecker (freshman, Urbandale) came off the bench with 13 points, five rebounds and five assists.
           
"All of these guys were great today," Steinkamp said. "Schipper started hot and was able to make shots when we weren't getting the ball inside. Wehde played great defense and Uecker had one of his best games of the season."
           
Kaleb Brand (5th-year, Mount Vernon) scored eight points and dished out three assists.
           
After a first half that ended in a 37-37 tie, the Dutch clamped down on defense holding the Prairie Wolves (20-7, 12-4 American Rivers) to 23.5% from the field and went on a 16-0 run for the majority of the second half.
           
"Rebounding was a key in the second half we were able to keep them off the glass and pay it off on the offensive side of the floor," Steinkamp said. "I also want to credit assistant coach Conor Riordan; his game prep was great. We had all of their tendencies down and it helped our defensive effort.
           
For the game, Central shot 44% from the field and 33% from three-point range. It also had 15 second chance points and was 17-23 from the free throw line.
           
The team will move on to the NCAA Division III National Championship tournament with the first round starting Friday. The team and location will be released Monday at 11 a.m.