DUBUQUE — The Central men's basketball team pulled out a gutsy win Saturday against the University of Dubuque Spartans. The game was back and forth from start to finish, but it was ultimately Central who was able to come out victorious, winning 79-73.

It was an overall team effort from the Dutch, who had three separate players record double-doubles—an incredible feat. Forward Owen Schipper (sophomore, Waukee HS) continued his great play with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Schipper did his scoring with great efficiency, shooting 9-11 from the field (82%) and 4-5 from beyond the arc (80%). He also made all three of his free throw attempts, finishing with an unheard of 101.46 true shooting percentage! While Schipper led the way for Central, two freshmen stepped up in massive ways, as well.

Guards Kyle Cason (freshman, Grimes, Dallas Center-Grimes HS) and Braylon Thomsen (freshman, Carbon Cliff, Ill., Davenport Assumption HS [Iowa]) both made major contributions to the Central win. Cason scored 22 points while also grabbing 11 rebounds, and Thomsen put up 18 points and 10 rebounds. The duo also had a block each—the only two of the game for the Dutch.

Central will have a handful of days to enjoy the win, before hosting rival Simpson College on Wednesday night. Tip-off time is 7:30 p.m