A gritty defensive effort put the Central College men’s basketball team within striking distance before Nebraska Wesleyan pulled away with a 67-58 decision in the American Rivers Conference opener for both clubs Wednesday.

The Dutch (3-5 overall, 0-1 conference) trailed by as many as 14 points in the first half, betrayed again by their shooting touch as they connected on just 28.6% from the floor. Down 28-18 at the break, Central still trailed by 38-27 with 13:28 remaining. Six times the Dutch climbed within four points, the last at 57-53 with 3:30 left. Nebraska Wesleyan (5-2 overall, 1-0 conference) reasserted command the rest of the way.

Central actually outshot Nebraska Wesleyan 38.6% to 36.9% and held a 43-42 rebounding edge. Both teams had ball security issues as well as Central had 19 turnovers to 18 for the Prairie Wolves. But the Dutch had to look no farther than the free throw line for the difference as they knocked down just 11 of 23 tries (47.8%).

Central was also hampered by foul trouble as post players Joshua Van Gorp and Caden Mauck were each limited to less than 22 minutes of action. But others stepped up. Forward Sam Beatty had 13 points and six rebounds for Central while Mauck and Van Gorp each added 10. Van Gorp also had seven rebounds and four assists.

Saturday brings another challenge as the Dutch travel to the University of Dubuque to meet the preseason conference favorites. The Spartans are 4-3 overall and 1-1 in the league.after toppling Buena Vista at Storm Lake Wednesday 66-51.