LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Wesleyan women's basketball team won their second straight conference game as the Prairie Wolves defeated the University of Dubuque 71-66 on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 13) at Snyder Arena.
 
For the second straight game, the Prairie Wolves overcame a halftime deficit to earn the victory.  NWU now improves to 11-4 overall and 2-4 in IIAC play with the Spartans falling to 4-11, 2-4 in IIAC.
 
The Prairie Wolves made just enough shots and used their pressure defense to force Dubuque into 26 turnovers for the game.
 
It came down to the final minute as Dubuque made a layup to pull within three points at 69-66 with 1:31 remaining.  The Spartans had three opportunities to tie or take the lead but missed two shots then were called for an offensive foul with 14 seconds left.
 
Caitlin Navratil then iced the game with a pair of free throws with 11.9 seconds remaining to seal the victory.  Navratil finishes with a game-high 24 points making 8-16 from the floor.
 
As a team the Prairie Wolves shot just 28.6 percent from the field, including only 3-14 shot attempts in the 4^th quarter but they did just enough.  Free throws helped NWU as the Prairie Wolves made 30-38 at the line compared to 15-17 for Dubuque.
 
The Spartans weren't much better hitting 36.7 percent of their shots and 7-24 from 3-point land.  Abbey Meyer led the way for Dubuque with 12 points, making 10-10 at the free throw line.
 
Besides Navratil's 24 points, freshman Macy Gustafson recorded her second double-double of the year.  Gustafson scored 11 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.
 
NWU will go for three straight wins on Monday afternoon at Coe College.