A determined defensive effort resulted in the season’s first home-court victory for the Central College men’s basketball team Saturday, 76-52 over Northland College (Wis.).

Guard Kade Terrell was inserted into the starting lineup and sparked the Dutch with a game-high 14 points and five rebounds. Central (3-4) limited Northland (0-7) to 32.3% shooting from the field and a 2-for-17 night from 3-point range (11.1%). The Dutch shot 49.1%. Central also held a 43-39 rebounding advantage and took advantage of 33 free-throw opportunities. But turnovers continue to be an issue as the Dutch had 19. Forward Kole Tupa had 12 points and six boards while forward Caden Mauck had 11 points.

Central opens American Rivers play at home Wednesday against perennial power Nebraska Wesleyan University. The Prairie Wolves are 4-3 after a 76-73 home-court win Saturday against East Texas Baptist University. Game time is 7:30 p.m. at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium and is part of a women’s-men’s doubleheader, with the women’s game at 5:30 p.m.