LINCOLN, Neb. -- For the second straight season the Nebraska Wesleyan men's basketball team upset nationally-ranked Midland University at Snyder Arena as they handed the 19th-ranked Warriors a 102-95 loss on Tuesday night (Nov. 24).

NWU improves to 3-2 on the season and 1-1 in conference play and handed Midland their first GPAC loss of the year to give the Warriors a 4-5 overall and 2-1 GPAC record.

It was the Prairie Wolves defense that was impressive in the first half as they limited Midland to just 39 points.  The 39 points was the lowest scoring half the NWU defense has allowed all season.  Midland shot 60.0 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes, but got only 25 shot attempts and committed eight turnovers.

NWU connected on nine 3-pointers in the first half and closed the half on a 12-5 run to open up a 46-39 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Prairie Wolves extended their lead to double digits on different occasions, including a 12-point advantage at 69-57 with 11:27 to play.  The Warriors chipped away and cut the lead to just one point at 77-76 with 5:26 to play.

After a Nebraska Wesleyan timeout, the Prairie Wolves scored to straight baskets to get up by five points.  Midland remained close and got within three at the 3:33 mark, but they could get no closer.

Free throws were key for NWU down the stretch as they converted 16-of-16 at the charity stripe to finish the game and earn the win.  They were 27-29 from the free throw line for the game.

Once again, Trey Bardsley had a huge night for the Prairie Wolves going over 30 points for the third time on the year.  Bardsley finished with a game-high 35 points, making 7-12 from 3-point range and 6-6 at the free throw line.

Keithan Karn connected on 5-9 from 3-point range to finish with 22 points and Travis Giesselmann recorded his second double-double of the year with 23 points and 10 rebounds.  Max Cook also reached double figures with 10 points, making 6-6 at the free throw line.

NWU shot 50.8 percent as a team and made 13-32 from 3-point range.  Midland cooled off shooting in the second half and finished the game at 53.3 percent.

Trevor Bryant led six Midland players in double figures with 27 points.

NWU will close out the home stand this weekend in the 27th Annual Snyder Classic.