The Central men’s basketball team began the 2019-2020 season at the Bill Sudeck Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio, hosted by Case Western Reserve University. The Dutch took on the hosting Spartans Friday evening, and Central started well, leading by 11 points early on. A strong first half by the Dutch ended with Case Western Reserve leading 44-43 at halftime.

The Spartans took control in the second half, leading by as many as 11 points with under eight minutes to play. Central trailed my seven with a minute to play, and a frantic comeback effort ensued. Central sophomore Kade Terrell was at the free throw line down by three with three seconds to play. He made the first and intentionally missed the second, and the Dutch got the ball back after the ball ricocheted off a Spartan out of bounds. Sean Kostyk had a good look at a game winner, but it bounced off the rim and Central fell 96-94.

Thomas Spoehr led the Dutch with a career-high 26 points. All four other starters scored in double figures as well. The Dutch are back in action today in the consolation game against Greeneville. The game tips off at noon Central Time.