PELLAH, Iowa – The Gustavus Adolphus College men's basketball team battled the Central College Dutch on the road Saturday afternoon. The Gusties defeated the Dutch 77-67 to improve to 4-1 overall this season.
The Gusties never trailed in the win as they scored first and were only tied by Central at 7-7 before retaking the lead and never looking back. Gustavus built their lead up to as many as 12 points in the first quarter on three occasions, the last of which was on a jumper by
Isaac Mattie to set the score at 34-22 heading into halftime.
In the second half, the Gusties built their lead up to 19 points with a
Myles Barnette layup with 13:23 to go, leading 53-34. The Dutch then started to rally, slowly chipping away at Gustavus' lead until a three-point shot pulled Central to within four points of the Gusties down 71-67 with 2:27 remaining.
Eli Wolff made a three of his own on the next possession for Gustavus to push their lead back up to seven. The Gusties played strong defense down the stretch, preventing the Dutch from scoring again while making free throws to build their lead back up to 10 by the end of the game, winning 77-67.
Barnette led the Gusties with 22 points on 8-for-12 shooting to go along with four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks.
Andrew Quam followed with 16 points and eight rebounds.
Jake Schmitt scored 13 points and had five rebounds and three steals.
Up next for the Gusties is a return to Saint Peter for a home game on Wednesday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m. for their MIAC opener against the Hamline University Pipers.
