LINCOLN, Neb. — A season's worth of frustration finally found its release Saturday afternoon inside Snyder Arena, and it came in historic fashion. Leaning on a suffocating defensive effort through the first three periods and an unrelenting pace on the offensive end, the Nebraska Wesleyan women's basketball team rolled past Kansas Christian College, 117–54, to secure its first home victory of the season.
The 117 points marked a new program record for the Prairie Wolves, surpassing the previous high of 115 that had stood untouched since 1990. Nebraska Wesleyan improved to 3–7 on the season.
The scoring outburst was fueled by balance, discipline, and pressure on both ends of the floor. All 11 active Prairie Wolves found the scoring column, six reached double figures, and NWU turned defense into offense for long stretches of the afternoon. The Prairie Wolves held the Falcons to just four points in the opening quarter and ten in the third, stretching the margin to as many as 79 points early in the fourth at 105–26.
Anastyn Pettlon and Brynn Sebek each poured in 24 points to lead the way, combining to shoot 18-of-26 from the field. Peyton Tritz and Rhyanne Mackling added 14 apiece, while Maddie Demke chipped in 13 as Nebraska Wesleyan shot efficiently, shared the ball, and played one of its cleanest games of the season, committing just 12 fouls over 40 minutes.
How It Happened
First Quarter
Nebraska Wesleyan wasted no time setting the tone. The Prairie Wolves opened the game with a relentless defensive press that immediately disrupted Kansas Christian's rhythm. NWU forced multiple early turnovers and raced out in transition, holding the Falcons to just four points in the opening period. On the other end, Pettlon and Sebek combined for 19 first-quarter points as the Prairie Wolves built a commanding advantage before the first break.
Second Quarter
The pressure never eased. Nebraska Wesleyan continued to rotate fresh bodies into the game, maintaining its defensive intensity while stretching the lead with efficient half-court execution. Tritz sparked a decisive run midway through the quarter with a pair of finishes in the lane, while Demke knocked down shots on the perimeter. By halftime, the Prairie Wolves had firmly seized control, carrying momentum, and a lopsided score, into the locker room.
Third Quarter
Any thought of a Falcon comeback was erased quickly after the break. Nebraska Wesleyan allowed just ten points in the third, turning defense into a steady stream of scoring opportunities. Mackling made her presence felt on both ends, scoring inside while helping anchor a defense that forced tough shots late in the shot clock. The Prairie Wolves continued to push the pace, extending the margin to overwhelming proportions heading into the final period.
Fourth Quarter
With the outcome long decided, Nebraska Wesleyan kept its foot on the gas, playing with the same energy that defined the first three quarters. The Prairie Wolves eclipsed the century mark early in the fourth and eventually stretched the lead to 79 points at 105–26. The record-setting 117th point capped a complete team performance that saw every available player contribute.
Up Next
Nebraska Wesleyan looks to build on Saturday's momentum and make it two straight wins when the Prairie Wolves travel to Hastings College on Monday afternoon.
