Central College couldn't close the deal in a 75-65 non-conference men's basketball defeat at Westminster College (Mo.) Saturday.

The Dutch (6-4) were up 35-33 and led by as many as eight points in the second half. But they were hurt by 21 turnovers.

"After we went up eight, we had turnovers on about four of the next five possessions," coach Mike Boschee said.  "That really hurt us. We also gave up a lot of offensive rebounds down the stretch."

Westminster (5-4) outshot Central 46.4 percent to 42.6 percent but the Dutch prevailed on the glass, 36-28.

Center Jack Bruns had 19 points while guard Demarco Turner had 16 points and five rebounds and guard Brock Caves had 10 points. Forward James Chapline  pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds.

"Give our guys credit," Boschee said. "I do think we played with good effort. We didn't always do the things as a team that we want to get done, but we worked hard and we battled. We just weren't good enough today."

Central wraps up its non-conference schedule Monday when Mount Mercy visits for a 7:30 p.m. game at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. The Mustangs (8-5) were toppled at Cornell College Saturday, 79-61.

Boschee is confident the Dutch will come back with a strong showing as they head into Christmas break.

"We always have to look to the next game," he said. "That's part of being in athletics. We have to refocus, organize and get ready for our next game. It's another chance for us to grow as a team and to play the game we love."

A video webstream and live stats of Monday's game will be available through the Central athletics website at www.central.edu/athletics.