STORM LAKE, Iowa (Feb. 15, 2023) - Mitchell Countryman matched his career-high with 13 points and was the only Beaver to reach double digits, as the team couldn't keep pace with a hot-shooting Central College team that pulled away in the first half for an 81-54 victory.

The Dutch, who made seven three-point baskets in each half, broke things open midway through the first half and never looked back. After Zane Neubam nailed a three-point shot to make it 9-6, Central responded with a long range bucket of its own which ignited a 29-9 run over the next nine minutes and gave them a 38-15 cushion. During the stretch, Central made six of their seven first-half treys.

BVU, which made just five triples in the contest and shot 34 percent overall, was unable to get any closer than 23.  The Dutch, which went 14-of-31 from distance (45.2 percent) led by as many as 39 in the second half at 73-34.

Countryman finished 5-of-7 from the field and made both free-throw attempts to reach double figures for the first time since also putting up 13 points against Fontbonne in the second game of the year. Zane Neubaum and Jacob Gaudreau each followed with nine points as Gunner Reed chipped in with a game-high 10 rebounds.

Kaleb Brand led all scorers for Central (17-6, 12-3 A-R-C) with 16 points, including a 4-of-6 night from beyond the arc. Grant Johnson followed with 14 points and six rebounds as four players reached double digits.

Buena Vista is now 8-16 overall and wraps up American Rivers Conference play at 2-14. The team will close out its season on Friday, Feb. 17, by hosting UW-Stout at 5 p.m.