LAMONI, IOWA — Nebraska Wesleyan walked into the Morden Center on Saturday searching for rhythm. They left with a statement. Behind two career-best scoring performances and a connected, composed team effort, the Prairie Wolves earned an 86–76 road win at Graceland. The victory moves NWU to 2–3 on the year while Graceland drops to 1–7.

How It Happened

First Quarter

NWU opened with pace and purpose. Peyton Tritz got the Wolves going with a strong take to the rim, and Anastyn Pettlon followed with eight straight points, including a pair of threes, to quiet the Yellowjacket crowd. Despite NWU's activity, Graceland edged ahead late, and the Prairie Wolves trailed 12–11 after one.

Second Quarter

The game tightened physically, especially on the glass, but NWU's poise won the stretch. Pettlon kept slipping into space for clean looks. Carney Black controlled the interior, rebounding, defending, assisting and scoring. Black had 10 points in the quarter. The Prairie Wolves held the lead for much of the frame before Graceland's late push sent NWU into halftime trailing 35–32.

Third Quarter

NWU's resilience defined the third. Graceland briefly surged to a six-point edge at 47–41, but the Prairie Wolves responded instantly. Maddie Demke hit a jumper and Sebek connected on a three on the following possesion. Tritz finished at the rim, and Black continued to dominate touches around the basket.

Pettlon's go-ahead layup with 3:58 left reclaimed the advantage, and Sebek knocked down another three to give NWU the lead for good. Nebraska Wesleyan outscored the Yellowjackets 25–19 in the period to take a 57–54 edge into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter

The Prairie Wolves delivered their most complete quarter of the season. Pettlon opened the frame with back-to-back layups, Tritz splashed a three, and NWU's lead grew to eight.

Graceland had answers, but the Prairie Wolves had counter punches. Davis hit a mid-range jumper. Tritz buried another three. Black, Demke, and Sebek chipped in timely plays on both ends.

And in the final minute, Tritz completely shut the door. After a technical and subsequent foul shots, she knocked down four consecutive free throws, sealing NWU's double-digit road victory.

Inside the Numbers

• Peyton Tritz – 29 points, 4-of-8 from three, 13-of-16 at the line, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
• Anastyn Pettlon – 25 points, 10-of-15 from the floor, 4-of-8 from deep, 4 assists, 3 steals
• Carney Black – 13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks
• Brynn Sebek – 10 points, 2-of-5 from three, 3 rebounds, a steal
• NWU shot 47.5% from the field, 40% from three, and forced 22 turnovers while collecting 10 steals.

Up Next

Nebraska Wesleyan returns home riding momentum, confidence, to continue their non-conference slate next week against Bellevue University. Tip will be at 7:00 PM in Snyder Arena.