WAVERLY, Iowa--The No. 18 Wartburg men's basketball team (10-2 overall, 3-0 IIAC) defeated Central (5-8, 2-2), 80-65 Wednesday. 



Junior Josh Gehling (Dyersville) netted a new career high and team-best 15 points. Gehling surpassed his previous mark of 14 points, which was set on Dec. 20, 2016 against then-20th ranked North Central. 

The Orange and Black opened the game on a 9-0 run, including a three-pointer from senior Sawyer Herman (Monticello). 

In the first half, Wartburg led by as many as 18, before leading 46-30 at the half. 

During the opening minute of the second half, senior Nate Woeste buried a trey to increase the Knights' lead to 19 points. 

With one minute left in the game, Wartburg led by their largest margin, 20 points. The Dutch would go on a five-point run to end the game. 

On offense for Wartburg, Gehling's 15 points was a team-best. Junior Jaran Sabus (Urbandale) and Herman each tallied 14 points, with Woeste scoring 13. Herman also recorded a team-best six assists. 

For the Knights' defensive effort, Sabus had a team best 10 rebounds, earning a double-double. Junior Cam Kickbush (Reinbeck) had a team-high three steals. 

Wartburg had the advantages in field goals (28-23), free throws (18-11), rebounds (41-33), assists (18-16) and steals (11-8). 

The Knights travel to face Coe on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 4 p.m.