Their first Saturday conference doubleheader of 2018 did not go well in Storm Lake, so the Central women’s and men’s basketball teams will try for some retribution this afternoon when Buena Vista comes to Pella.

Central’s women held a five-point lead going into the fourth quarter against the Beavers earlier this month, but B-V outscored them in the final period, 33 – 13 to win by 15. The Dutch have been off since their trip to Cedar Rapids last Saturday, and the women will be honoring the 25th anniversary of the 1993 Division III National Championship team. Playing No. 1-ranked and undefeated College of St. Benedict in the national semifinal, forward Emilie Hanson hit a last-second rebound basket for a 60-59 upset. The following night, Central came from behind against Capital University to capture the national championship, 71-63.

Coach Joe Steinkamp says the combination of the extra rest and the emotion of past successes should help fuel his team for today’s game.

Central’s men have a chance to gain some ground on Buena Vista in the league standings. The Beavers shot an otherworldly 81.5% from the field in the second half of their 93 – 80 win over Central back on January 6th. Coach Craig Douma is hoping for an improved defensive effort from his team, much like they saw in their 77 – 67 win over Coe just seven days ago.

Today’s conference doubleheader can be heard live on 92.1 KRLS, KNIAKRLS.com, and via our free KRLS mobile app. Cory Houser will call the action starting with the PellaMotors.com Radio Pregame Show at 1:45 p.m., with tip-off of the women’s game inside of P.H. Kuyper at 2:00.