Red-hot shooting propelled Illinois College to a 97-68 win over the Central College women’s basketball team, while visions of a big road victory faded down the stretch as undefeated Bethany Lutheran College outlasted the Dutch men’s basketball team 79-74 Tuesday night.

The Dutch women (2-3) got 18 points from guard Abby Johnson (sophomore, Ankeny), but couldn’t keep pace with the Lady Blues, who shot 57.1% from the field and had four players with 14 points or more. The Dutch connected on just 31.2% from the floor. Guard Kelsea Hurley (senior, Scottsdale, Ariz., Desert Mountain HS) had 11 points and guard Hannah Dau (sophomore, Paullina, South O’Brien HS) added nine with three assists. Dau and guard Kassidi Steel (junior, New Sharon, North Mahaska HS) each had five rebounds while guard Jasmyn Williams (freshman, Denver, Colo., Arvada West HS) came off the bench to pass out five assists with two steals.

After trailing 56-52 with 12:37 left, the Central men regained the lead and went up 67-62 at just under the 7-minute mark. But the Dutch (3-3) didn’t hit another field goal until only 1:16 remained, down 77-69. Guard Kade Terrell (5th-year, Montrose, Colo.) had 19 points and center Joshua Van Gorp (junior, Pella, Pella Christian HS) had 18 for the Dutch. Terrell also had six assists. Forward Grant Johnson (senior, Waukee, Van Meter HS) had a game-high 11 rebounds and three blocks. Van Gorp had eight boards. Bethany Lutheran (5-0) shot only a tick better than Central, 43.2% to 43.1%, but hit 52.6% in the second half. Central held a slight 42-41 rebounding edge but committed 15 turnovers.

The Dutch women’s basketball team is back in action in Illinois today for a 2 p.m. game at Knox College (Ill.). The Central men finally make their home-season debut Friday with a 7 p.m. game with Knox College (Ill.). The Dutch men’s home opener Friday can be heard live on the KRLS3 stream at KNIAKRLS.com and on the Central Dutch Network with Tyler Crabb calling the action.