By: Dana Becker 

Messenger Sports Staff 

Just two days removed from a 14-point loss at No. 8 Kirkwood, the Iowa Central men pushed the Eagles to their limit here Monday night.

Kirkwood, though, escaped Hodges Fieldhouse with a 75-70 victory.

The Tritons (4-16 overall, 1-9 in ICCAC), who trailed by as many as 16, cut it to a one possession game after a bucket by Daviyon Gaston, but Ayouba Berthe knocked downed a pair of free throws to seal the deal.

Jordan Fenderson made four 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 22 to lead Iowa Central, as Miles Fant added 17 and Deuce Black 14. Fant also had seven rebounds with Gaston chipping in eight and eight.

"We could have folded there down big in the second half but these kids answered the call," ICCC head coach Chad Helle said. "When you are trying to get going, a game like this can really help you.

"We knew what to expect from Kirkwood having just played them on Saturday, and we had some troubles there in the first half. But we settled down, started playing team basketball and made a run."

For the Eagles, Berthe had 20, going 11-for-12 at the free throw line. He also recorded eight rebounds and five assists. Colby Dolphin added 12 points and Tate Haughenbury scored nine.

Kirkwood built a seven-point halftime advantage and were plus-six at the charity stripe.

Iowa Central hits the road on Wednesday when they play North Iowa Area in Mason City. Earlier this year, the Tritons fell to the Trojans, 81-73.