DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Nebraska Wesleyan University women's basketball team struggled offensively in a 64-26 loss to Loras College on Saturday afternoon at the Athletic & Wellness Center.

The Prairie Wolves (1-11, 0-3 ARC) were led by Maddie Demke with six points and four rebounds. Carney Black contributed five points and a game-high ten rebounds, while Brynn Sebek and Tessa Skelton each added four points. Nebraska Wesleyan shot 20.5% (8-for-39) from the field but converted 80% (8-for-10) of their free throws.

Loras (4-8, 1-2 ARC) received a balanced offensive effort, as the Duhawks capitalized on 30 NWU turnovers, scoring 36 points off those miscues. Loras shot 33.3% (23-for-69) from the field and held a commanding lead for 37 minutes of the contest

How It Happened

The first half was a challenging stretch for Nebraska Wesleyan, as the Prairie Wolves managed just eight points and committed 15 turnovers in the opening 20 minutes. Despite Black's efforts on the glass and Demke's hustle, NWU couldn't find its rhythm offensively. Loras capitalized on NWU's miscues, outscoring the Prairie Wolves 36-0 on points off turnovers.

The third quarter saw NWU fight back with their strongest performance of the game. Skelton opened the quarter with an early layup, and Demke hit a pair of free throws to get the Prairie Wolves rolling. An Alison Davis layup capped a 6-0 NWU run two minutes into the quarter the quarter. The Prairie Wolves outscored Loras 13-11 in the period, shooting an efficient 55.6% from the floor.

However, Loras regained control in the fourth, holding NWU to just five points in the final frame. The Prairie Wolves' defense forced some late turnovers but couldn't convert on the other end as the Duhawks' depth proved too much to overcome.

Up Next

The Prairie Wolves return to the hardwood  on the road on Wednesday, January 8, to face Simpson College at 5:30 PM.

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