The Central College basketball teams traveled to Wartburg College Wednesday night for an American Rivers Conference doubleheader. The Dutch pulled off a stunning 73-72 victory in the men’s game, while the women’s team struggled in a 74-48 loss.

In a season when many things have gone wrong, the Central men’s basketball team pulled off arguably the biggest upset of the American Rivers season, as the last-place Dutch put a dent in Wartburg’s title hopes. Central limited Wartburg to 35.9% shooting, while shooting 47.5% from the floor. Central overcame 15 turnovers, including two in the final 26 seconds, hitting five of their final six free throws in the closing minute, to seal the win. It was a complete team effort in the victory but an 18-point, seven rebound and six assist performance by Caden Mauck highlighted the win. Drew Edwards added 13 points, along with five rebounds and four assists, while Joshua Van Gorp had 12 points and Kade Terrell had 10 points.

A rocky start for the Central College women’s basketball team gave No. 19-ranked Wartburg College all the cushion it needed Wednesday night. The Dutch fell behind 11-2 less than 2 minutes into the game, and trailed 42-23 at halftime. Central was held to just 29.5% from the field, while Wartburg hit 36.5% of their shots. Hannah Dau cracked double figures for the first time in her career, connecting on three 3-point goals and finishing with 13 points, and Kelsea Hurley added 10 points and five rebounds. 

Central journeys to Decorah Saturday for a women’s-men’s conference doubleheader at Luther College at 2 p.m.