Strong performances by a pair of sophomores highlighted a 68-55 win for the Central women’s basketball team over Buena Vista University Wednesday night, while second half shooting struggles led to a 73-69 loss for the men’s team.

Kassidi Steel and Allison Van Gorp posted double-doubles as the Dutch women avenged an earlier loss to Buena Vista. Steel poured in 21 points and 11 rebounds to go with four assists while Van Gorp had 12 points and 11 boards. Central also got 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists from Kelsea Hurley. Van Gorp dominated inside in the first half, scoring 10 points to give Central a 32-18 lead at halftime. Central stretched the advantage to as much as 48-27 in the third quarter. Buena Vista cut the lead to single digits in the closing minutes, but the Dutch would hang on to pick up their fourth conference victory of the season.

The Central men led by as many as 10 points early in the second half and were up 67-63 with 2:27 left but were outscored by the Beavers 10-2 down the stretch leading to the four-point loss. Central knocked down five 3-pointers in the first half but made just 1 of their 12 attempts from long range in the second half. Kade Terrell had 15 points while Caden Mauck had 13 and Drew Edwards had 11 with five rebounds and four assists. With his 13 points, Mauck sits at 996 career points with one game remaining to reach the 1,000-point club. 

The Central women’s team improved to 6-13 overall on the year and 4-9 American Rivers Conference play, while the men’s squad fell to 6-17 overall, and 3-12 conference play.

The Dutch women continue their busy schedule tonight as they host Luther College at 7 p.m. The two teams met in Decorah last Saturday, with Luther pulling out a 79-65 win. The Central men’s squad closes the regular season Saturday against Simpson College.