Keith Pedersen Feb. 2, 2008

Pedersen perfect but Loras outshoots Central men

PELLA—Central College forward Keith Pedersen (senior, Jefferson, Jefferson-Scranton HS) was 10-of-10 from the floor but defending Iowa Conference champion Loras College came away with an 81-67 men’s basketball victory Saturday.

It was the third time this season that Pedersen has been perfect from the field. He entered the week ranked second in the NCAA Division III in field goal percentage and upped his season mark to a steamy 73.2 percent. He finished with a game-high 20 points and six rebounds. Forward Preston Davidson (sophomore, Northwood, Northwood-Kensett HS) added 14 points, going 4-of-4 from the field. But the Dutch (12-6 overall, 5-6 conference) hit just 4-of-19 from 3-point range (21.1 percent).

“Our inside game gave us a lift last time (a 76-71 win over Cornell Wednesday) but Loras is just too good of a team to expect to win without hitting a few jumpers to complement the inside game,” coach Mike Boschee said.

Guard Miguel Ley (sophomore, San Antonio, Texas, Judson HS) had 12 points while guard Zak Clark (senior, Fort Dodge, St. Edmond HS) passed out seven assists.

Meanwhile Loras (15-5 overall, 9-2 conference) shot 51.8 percent from the field, including 52.6 percent from 3-point range, and outrebounded Central 32-30 to remain in the league race.

“They played very efficiently,” Boschee said. “We were trying to make a run in the second half and scored on 10 of 12 possessions, but they scored on nine of 12 possessions. It’s a credit to them. They run the floor well and can shoot the three. It makes them difficult to guard.”

Wednesday the Dutch are at Indianola for a league women’s-men’s doubleheader with Simpson College. The men’s contest starts at approximately 8 p.m. Simpson is 5-14 overall and 2-8 in conference action after suffering a 73-70 home-court loss to Dubuque Saturday. Central defeated the Storm 76-67 at Pella Jan. 21.