The halftime speech worked from Chad Helle here Wednesday night.

Leading 27-25 at the break over Minnesota West, the Iowa Central men went on a 24-2 run to gain control, improving to 5-1 on the year with an 82-54 victory inside Hodges Fieldhouse.

Jordan Majeed and Javonte Keck each scored 16, Josh Baker had another double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, and both Kevin Taylor and Bo Barber reached double figures for the Tritons.

"We just weren't playing good, smart basketball in that first half," Helle said. "It was pretty clear to me, and I think it was pretty clear to them as well. We came out, listened, moved the ball, helped on defense and the result was a good second half.

"We just can't play like that for almost 20 minutes, especially with the schedule we have coming up. We've got to be more locked in and prepared to play."

Taylor, who had 12 points, also grabbed seven rebounds, while Barber, who scored 10, added four steals, three rebounds and two assists. Keck had four rebounds and a pair of thunderous dunks, while Majeed dished out three assists.

The Tritons shot 44 percent from the field, including a 21-for-40 effort over the final 20 minutes. They outscored Minnesota West 56-22 on points in the paint and were plus-14 on points off turnovers.

"When you can put up 55 points in a half, you are obviously doing something right," Helle said. "Those first few minutes of the second half we played some of the best basketball we have this year. We've just got to find a way to keep that going for longer stretches."

Amos Alford had 17 points and CJ Ligon 10 for Minnesota West.

Iowa Central will now turn its attention to Friday night when they host Dakota County at 7 p.m.

-By Dana Becker