HOW IT HAPPENED

• Nebraska Wesleyan was unable to begin 2023 in the win colum after being handed a 56-51 loss to Crown College.
• The Prairie Wolves found themselves on the wrong side of a 14-4 run to begin the game. Avery Halliday got the black and gold back on track as she hit back-to-back jumpers to close out the quarter, 10-19.
• Neither team could get anything going in the second quarter, NWU shot 33.3% from the field compared to the Storm's 26.67%. 
• Coach Bullock's squad found themselves down nine heading into the break, 21-30.
• With 3:58 remaining in the third quarter, Tessa Skelton brought the Prairie Wolves within three after a steal and layup the other way, 31-34. NWU ended up outscoring Crown College 10-8, 31-38.
• Piper Graham gave Nebraska Wesleyan one last chance with 28 seconds remaining in the game. The freshman hit a three to bring the black and gold within four, 50-54.
• As tensions grew, the Storm closed things out with a pair of made free throws and edged the Prairie Wolves, 51-56. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Avery Halliday: 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
• Brianna Denton: 9 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds
• Ellie Bream: 8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
• Nebraska Wesleyan
  • FG: 32.8%
  • 3PT: 22.7%
  • FT: 60.0%
• Crown College
  • FG: 35.7%
  • 3PT: 35.7%
  • FT: 50.0%

HEAD COACH TYLER BULLOCK'S COMMENTS

• "We dug ourselves in yet another hole which unfortunately has become a theme for us this year. It starts with me. I have to do a better job of putting our team in positions to win."
• "We fought hard and battled to the end. I am proud of the group for that. We have to flush it and try to be better tomorrow."

UP NEXT
The Prairie Wolves continue their stretch in Minnesota as they take on Martin Luther College on January 4. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.