CEDAR RAPIDS—Forwards Colby Taylor (freshman, Creston) and Matt Greenfield (senior, Huxley, Ballard HS) recorded double-doubles as the Central College men's basketball team outplayed Coe College in a 71-54 Iowa Conference win Saturday.
Taylor scored a game- and career-high 21 points and hauled in 10 rebounds, while Greenfield scored 19 points and grabbed a game-high 12 boards in Central's sixth straight win. Both players logged a game-high 34 minutes as well.
"Colby and Matt played great," coach Craig Douma said. "Matt was very patient, despite drawing a lot of attention. He played smart basketball offensively and let the game come to him. It was Colby's best performance bar none. He did good things on the offensive and defensive ends, particularly on the boards. He came to play tonight."
The Dutch (15-6 overall, 8-2 conference) shot 44.9 percent (22-of-49) from the field, including a scorching 50.0 percent (9-of-18) from 3-point range, and converted on 18-of-19 free throw attempts. Central did all of that offensively while holding the Kohawks (9-12 overall, 1-9 conference) to 33.3 percent (19-of-57) from the field.
"Our offensive efficiency was great, particularly in the second half," said Douma. "It was the first game in a while that we've closed out our opponent. We stretched the lead and finished strong. It was a great road win for our team."
Guard Kevin Kaerwer (senior, El Paso, Texas, John L. Chapin HS) joined Taylor and Greenfield in double figures scoring 15 points, all in the second half. Backcourt teammate Fred Pratt (senior, Rosenberg, Texas, Lamar Consolidated HS) filled the stat sheet with seven points, seven assists and four rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench. The seven assists tied his career best.
"Kevin really bounced back," Douma said. "He was in foul trouble early, but found ways to contribute in the second half and shot the ball well. And Fred stepped up once again with another timely performance."
Douma also noted the play of Spencer Bakerink (senior, Creston), Yaw Sapon-Amoah (senior, Ghana, Africa, Des Moines Christian HS) and Kyle Newendorp (junior, Pella) for their work in the paint. Yaw hauled in seven rebounds, while Bakerink grabbed two and added two blocked shots. Central dominated the glass to the tune of 43-26.
"We rebounded really well," said Douma. "We were all over the boards, which led to a lot of transition baskets. Our post players were ready when their name was called.
"Winning on the road is always tough and we stepped up in a hostile environment."
Andrew Wirth led the Kohawks with 17 points, the only Coe player in double digits. Jacob Timm chipped in nine points as the second-leading scorer.
The Dutch return home for a matchup with the league's third-place team Buena Vista University (11-10 overall, 6-4 conference) Wednesday at 8 p.m. Central won this season's first meeting 76-72 at Storm Lake, it's second win in its last 17 appearances in Siebens Fieldhouse. Last season the Beavers were 84-80 winners in Kuyper Gym.
"Buena Vista is a good team," Douma said. "They have size, which is difficult to guard, and they're going to be ready to go. It's a huge game for both teams."