The eye-opening surge for the Central College men’s basketball team continued last night as the surprising Dutch used sizzling shooting to roll up their fourth straight victory, 96-84 over Bethany Lutheran in Mankato, Minnesota.  Central hit a steamy 63.5 percent from the floor, including 57.5 percent from 3-point range. Guard Brock Caves sank 5-of-6 free throws in the final 27 seconds and posted a career-high 24 points in securing the victory.  

The game followed a somewhat erratic but successful recent pattern, as the Dutch came out firing, built a significant lead, then held off a late run to preserve the win. Central jumped to a 24-10 advantage en route to a 51-30 halftime lead. But Bethany Lutheran clawed to within 89-81 with 45 seconds remaining before Caves settled the issue.  

Caves, who was 6-of-8 from the floor, also had five rebounds, five assists and two steals, forward Jack Bruns had 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting and James Chapline had 16 points, five boards and two blocks while connecting on 6-of-7 shots.  Bethany Lutheran shot 48.7 percent from the field but outrebounded Central 33-31.  Guard Garrett Benson had a game-high 25 points and six assists for the Vikings.  

The Dutch take a break for fall semester exams, then return to action Saturday, December 18 with a non-conference contest at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.