SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The road warriors from Central were unable to continue their historic run of three road wins in five days during the Iowa Conference Tournament as they were defeated 78-66 by No. 7 St. Thomas in the First Round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Pete Walker, the current IIAC Men's Basketball Player of the Week, continued his outstanding postseason play with a team high 16 points despite foul trouble. 

Colby Taylor, a First Team All-Iowa Conference selection, once again registered a double-double as he finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Joining Walker and Taylor in double figure points were Kyle Smith (11 points) and Tate Handsaker (10 points). 

The first half was as even as it can get with 12 lead changes and six tied game situations. The largest lead either team would have in the period came when Central went up 14-9 on a Smith jumper at the 12:34 mark. A jumper at the buzzer by St. Thomas tied the game at 30-30 going into the break. 

The first six minutes of the second half would look similar to the first half with the teams trading the lead back-and-forth seven more times before St. Thomas took the lead for good at 44-43 with 13:56 left to play. St. Thomas would eventually open up a 13 point lead with under eight minutes to play at 65-52. The Dutch would not go away though quickly responding with a 9-0 run which included a three-pointer by Jacob Hay, a three by Walker, and an old fashion three-point play by Walker. The senior led Tommies would respond by making free throws down the stretch to clinch the tournament victory. 

Central ends the season with a 19-10 record. The Dutch squad does not have any seniors and will be one of the early favorites for the 2016-17 IIAC title.