COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Nebraska Wesleyan women's basketball fell to North Central (Ill.), 86-58, in their first game of the Colorado College Tip-off Classic on Friday afternoon at Reid Arena. The Prairie Wolves dropped to 0-2 on the season despite strong performances from Jada Smith and Tessa Skelton.
How It Happened
The first quarter ended in a 14-14 tie, with Jada Smith and Tessa Skelton combining for seven points. Nebraska Wesleyan's defense forced three turnovers, keeping the game competitive.
In the second quarter, North Central found their rhythm, going on a 12-point scoring run to take a 31-25 lead at halftime. The Prairie Wolves managed just four field goals in the period, including a three-pointer from Tessa Skelton, as the Cardinals capitalized on NWU's seven turnovers and turning them into nine points.
Nebraska Wesleyan attempted to mount a rally in the third quarter, with Mackenzie Griffin coming off the bench to lead the charge. Despite the deficit being single digits until the 4:00 mark, the Prairie Wolves couldn't contain North Central's 54.5% shooting efficiency, trailing 60-41 by the end of the third.
The fourth quarter saw North Central pull away, outscoring NWU 26-16 and going 4-4 from three-point range. Mackenzie Griffin added another five points, and Genesis Watson chipped in with a couple of late baskets, but the Cardinals' fast-break opportunities and 17 second-chance points proved too much to overcome.
Inside the Numbers
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Nebraska Wesleyan: Shot 49.0% from the field (25-for-51), 21.4% from three-point range (3-for-14), and 55.6% from the free-throw line (5-for-9).
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Key Performers:
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North Central: Shot 39.8% from the field (33-for-83), including 31.8% from three-point range (7-for-22). They scored 34 points off turnovers and 46 points in the paint.
Up Next
Nebraska Wesleyan (0-2) continues action in the Colorado College Tip-off Classic, taking on Pacific University (Ore.) on Saturday, November 16, at 1:00 PM (CT). The Prairie Wolves look to secure their first win of the season as they continue to develop under new head coach Jim Wiedie.
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