LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Wesleyan women's basketball kicked off their season with a fierce effort, ultimately falling 73-52 to Mount Marty on Wednesday night at Snyder Arena. Under the direction of new head coach Jim Wiedie, the Prairie Wolves showed flashes of their potential, with Jada Smith leading the team in scoring, while Maddie Demke and Tessa Skelton brought energy on both ends of the court.

How It Happened

Jada Smith sparked the offense with a trio of three-pointers and a nice step-back jumper, while Tessa Skelton contributed timely baskets, ending the night with 9 points. Defensively, Maddie Demke made her presence felt, recording five steals in the game, which fueled NWU's transition opportunities.

However, the second quarter saw a shift in momentum. Mount Marty found their rhythm, taking advantage of defensive stops to launch a 13-0 run that held Nebraska Wesleyan scoreless for nearly six minutes. The Prairie Wolves' lead evaporated as Mount Marty's perimeter shooting surged, ending the half with a 34-25 lead.

In the third quarter, Nebraska Wesleyan fought back as Smith continued to attack the basket, bringing the score within single digits multiple times in the quarter. Skelton and Demke each stepped up in support. Skelton had a huge and-one on a jumpshot assisted by Demke. Demke dished out a team-high four assists on the night. Brynn Sebek and Carney Black added critical points, but Mount Marty's efficient shooting and defensive pressure kept NWU at bay. By the end of the third, Mount Marty extended their lead to 54-43.

The fourth quarter proved challenging as Mount Marty pulled away with a trio of three-pointers, effectively securing their lead. Despite Nebraska Wesleyan's efforts to close the gap, including buckets from Smith and rebounds from Sebek, Mount Marty maintained control to close out the game.

Inside the Numbers

Nebraska Wesleyan shot 29.8% from the field (17-for-57) and 28.0% from three-point range (7-for-25). The Prairie Wolves capitalized on free throws, hitting 11-for-14 (78.6%). Smith led all scorers with 26 points, making 4-for-8 from beyond the arc, while Sebek added six points and four rebounds. Black contributed six rebounds and two points. Tessa Skelton finished the night with nine points and four rebounds, while Demke had five steals and four assists.

Mount Marty shot 38.2% from the field (21-for-55) and 34.6% from three-point range (9-for-26). They were led by Stevi Fallis, who tallied 17 points, hitting 4-of-6 from deep. Emma Jarovski added 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds, helping Mount Marty take control in the paint.

Up Next

Nebraska Wesleyan (0-1) will be on the road next for their next games in a tournament hosted by Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  They will go up against North Central (Ill.) on  November 15, with a 5 p.m. tip-off. The Prairie Wolves look to bounce back as they continue to adjust to Coach Wiedie's system and work toward their first win of the season.

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