INDIANOLA, Iowa – Two missed 3-pointers in the final two seconds that could have tied the game allowed Simpson College to hold off Nebraska Wesleyan 65-62 in Iowa Conference women's basketball action Wednesday night (Jan. 4) at Cowles Fieldhouse in Indianola, Iowa.
In a game between two teams looking for their first IIAC win, the game came down to the buzzer with a back and forth final minute. Simpson made two free throws to go up 61-58 with 32 seconds remaining in the game. NWU came down on their end of the floor and got a layup from
Morgan Nishida with 19 seconds left and was fouled with a chance to tie the game. Nishida's free throw was no good and Simpson extended the lead back to three points at the other end.
Freshman
Caitlin Navratil, who led the Prairie Wolves with 24 points, converted a pair of free throws with 10 seconds remaining to get back within one point. A quick foul put the Storm back at the line as they made both attempts to keep the lead at three points.
Needing a 3-pointer to tie, Nishida got off a good lock from the right wing that glanced off the rim, but the rebound was deflected off Simpson to give NWU one last look with under two seconds left.
Addie Wetzel got the ball at the top of the key and shot a step-through 3-pointer that didn't fall as time expired.
NWU got off to a great start to the game as they were going for the first ever IIAC victory. The Prairie Wolves led 16-7 in the first quarter before Simpson pulled within 16-14 at the end of the period. The Storm then continued the big push on a 30-10 run to end the half with a 37-26 advantage.
The Prairie Wolves outscored Simpson by seven points in the third quarter, led by Navratil who had 11 points in the period.
Nebraska Wesleyan shot 34.8 percent from the floor for the game, but only 4-21 from 3-point land. They were only 1-11 from beyond the arc in the second half.
Caitlin Navratil had a game-high 24 points to lead the way. She was 9-17 from the floor and added six rebounds with two steals. Also reaching double figures was
Morgan Nishida with 13 points and six assists.
Addie Wetzel added 11 points with eight rebounds.
Simpson was led by Britney Boland with 15 points on 3-4 shooting from 3-point range. Megan Lankford had 11 points, making 8-8 from the free throw line late in the game.
