STORM LAKE, Iowa – Nebraska Wesleyan women's basketball came up short in a conference matchup against Buena Vista, 80-63, at Siebens Fieldhouse on Wednesday. The loss moves the Prairie Wolves to 1-16 on the season and 0-8 in American Rivers Conference play, while the Beavers improve to 6-11 overall and 1-7 in league action.
How It Happened
The Prairie Wolves started strong, opening with a 6-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to quick buckets from Carney Black and Maddie Demke. Buena Vista answered with a pair of three-pointers, igniting a 16-7 run that closed the quarter with the Beavers leading 21-17.
In the second frame, Nebraska Wesleyan stayed within striking distance, cutting the deficit to two after Mackenzie Griffin scored her sixth point of the half. However, BVU push the halftime margin to 41-34.
After the break, Buena Vista found another gear. An 11-0 scoring run that started midway through the third quarter extended the Beavers' lead to 18. The Prairie Wolves struggled to find consistency on offense, shooting just 23.5% from the field in the period and entering the final quarter trailing 66-48.
Despite a valiant effort in the fourth, Nebraska Wesleyan couldn't overcome the deficit. Mackenzie Watenpaugh and Rhyanne Mackling chipped in from the free-throw line, but Buena Vista's efficiency at the stripe (17-of-21 for the game) sealed the win.
Key Performers
- Maddie Demke led NWU with 17 points and added eight rebounds.
- Carney Black recorded 13 points and a team-high 12 rebounds for a double-double.
- Brynn Sebek contributed six points and four assists.
Box Score Highlights
- Field Goal Percentage: NWU 31.5%, BVU 39.4%
- Three-Point Percentage: NWU 16.7% (5-30), BVU 25.0% (7-28)
- Rebounds: NWU 51, BVU 46
- Turnovers: NWU 21, BVU 16
Up Next
The Prairie Wolves will travel to Decorah, Iowa on Saturday, January 25, to play Luther College at 2:00 PM.
The 2024-25 Men's and Women's basketball seasons are presented by TeamMates Mentoring. For more information, visit TeamMates Mentoring.
