A hot start from long range propelled the Central College women’s basketball team to a 71-37 runaway over Nebraska Wesleyan University Wednesday, while the Dutch men’s team’s second-half comeback wasn’t enough in an 88-82 loss to the Prairie Wolves.

The Dutch (8-7 overall, 2-4 American Rivers) knocked down nine 3-pointers in the first half including three from guard Abby Johnson, who delivered a game-high 19 points, and four from guard Gabby Moore, who had 14. As a team, Central made 12 threes on the night. Central took control with an 18-12 lead after the first quarter and broke it open with a 21-5 advantage in the second quarter, using a 19-2 burst for a 39-14 lead with 1:12 left in the half. It was 39-17 at the break. Central outshot Nebraska Wesleyan 47.3% to 20.5% for the night with a 50-39 rebounding edge. Forward Kaitlyn Mumm, point guard Hannah Dau and Moore each had five rebounds while center Allison Van Gorp had four assists. Nineteen Central players saw action in the win.        

All-American center Joshua Van Gorp poured in another 33 points and the Dutch men (9-6 overall, 3-3 American Rivers) passed out 28 assists on 32 baskets while shooting 49.2% for the night, but were countered by the Prairie Wolves making 57.6% of their shots in the first half to take a 47-38 lead at halftime. The Dutch trailed by as much as 70-56 with just over 10 minutes remaining before making their move. A 3-pointer by guard Kaleb Brand sliced the deficit to 76-74 with 2:57 remaining, but Central missed multiple chances to take its first lead. Freshman guard Brad Curren had 18 points while guard Drew Edwards had 10 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Van Gorp was the top rebounder with nine to go with his second 30-point performance of the season.

The University of Dubuque visits Saturday for a women’s-men’s doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. Saturday’s game can be heard live on 92.1 KRLS, beginning with pregame coverage at 1:45 pm.