LINCOLN, Neb. - Nebraska Wesleyan University leaned on confident perimeter shooting and timely defensive pressure to secure a 67-63 win over Coe College Saturday afternoon at Snyder Arena. The Black and Gold knocked down 12 three-pointers on 41.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc, marking their third straight game at 40 percent or better from deep. Nebraska Wesleyan (7-3) built separation in both halves, extended its lead to as many as 14 in the second half, and withstood a late Kohawk push to close out the four-point victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
The early minutes were tight until Nebraska Wesleyan found its rhythm just past the 18-minute mark. A Jared Townsley three at 17:51 sparked the Prairie Wolves' first stretch of separation, followed by another Townsley jumper two possessions later to make it 9-4. The Black and Gold continued to space the floor, using crisp ball movement and patient offense to exploit open looks on the perimeter. Nebraska Wesleyan pushed the lead to nine late in the half, taking a 29-20 advantage with under three minutes remaining before settling for a 30-25 halftime lead.
Second Half
Nebraska Wesleyan wasted little time extending control after the break. A combination of inside touches and kick-outs quickly turned the six-point margin into a 47-33 lead at the 12:52 mark. Senior guards Amun-Ra Collins and Seth Newton did much of the dirty work, pushing pace, drawing help defenders, and finding shooters in rhythm. Coe answered with defensive pressure and a late surge, trimming the deficit and taking the lead in the final minute. Neal Mosser found Devin Holmon in the corner for a three to retake the lead 63-61 with 41 seconds remaining. The Prairie Wolves got stops on defense and Mosser stayed composed at the free-throw line to seal the win. It wasn't flashy late, but it was effective, much like a succulent offensive possession that drains the clock and the will of a comeback.
Sophomore forward Devin Holmon led Nebraska Wesleyan with 13 points, knocking down 3-of-4 from three-point range while adding three rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Senior forward Nick Howard finished with 11 points and six rebounds, providing stability on both ends during key stretches. Junior guard Jared Townsley matched Howard with 11 points, hitting timely jumpers early and adding two rebounds and a steal.
Game Notes
- Nebraska Wesleyan's 12 made three-pointers accounted for more than half of its total field goals.
- The Prairie Wolves have shot 40 percent or better from three in three consecutive games.
- Nebraska Wesleyan overcame a 47-34 rebounding deficit by generating six steals and limiting second-chance points late.
- Collins contributed seven points, three rebounds, and three assists while helping orchestrate the offense in the second half.
- Christian Winn added seven points, four assists, and two steals, tying a season high in assists.
UP NEXT
Nebraska Wesleyan heads back on the road next Saturday, Dec. 20, traveling to Colorado Springs for a non-conference matchup against Colorado College. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.
