LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Wesleyan had the game in its hands for long stretches, but a late surge from Central flipped the script as the Prairie Wolves dropped their American Rivers Conference opener 73–70 on Wednesday night at Snyder Arena. NWU (2–5, 0–1 A-R-C) led by as many as 19 in the first half and carried an eight-point advantage into the fourth quarter before the Dutch (5–2, 1–0 A-R-C) caught fire from long range down the stretch.
Despite the loss, NWU turned in one of its grittiest showings of the season, posting 10 steals, winning the glass 43–38 and matching Central with 32 points in the paint.
How It Happened
First Quarter
NWU's pressure immediately bothered Central, forcing turnovers that turned into transition chances.
Maddie Demke cashed in twice on the break and
Brynn Sebek knocked down a pair of threes. NWU pulled even at 20–20 heading into the second.
Second Quarter
Peyton Tritz buried an early corner three to put NWU back in front.
Alison Davis took over the interior, scoring six straight during a 14–0 run.
Anastyn Pettlon drilled a late three to push NWU ahead by 19 at 46–27. Central clawed back at the line, trimming the margin to 46–36 at half.
Third Quarter
Tritz opened the half with a putback and an and-one to spark a 7–0 start. Central countered with perimeter makes to close the gap. Davis' jumper with 6:42 left briefly steadied NWU. Key free throws from Black, Pettlon and
Breeley King helped NWU hold a 60–52 lead heading into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter
Pettlon delivered a late surge, scoring six in the final period, including four in a row to put NWU up seven with 1:52 left. Central answered with back-to-back threes, then took advantage of a missed free throw and a lane violation to grab a one-point lead on a late layup. Out of a timeout, Tritz attacked downhill on the designed action but couldn't convert, and Central iced it at the
line.
Inside the Box Score
Game Notes
- NWU posted a season-best 43 rebounds.
- Davis recorded her first career double-double of the season and her highest rebound total of her career.
- NWU's 10 steals mark the third straight game with 9+ takeaways.
- Pettlon has now scored three straight games for the first time this season.
- Demke's five assists is a new season high for her.
Up Next
Nebraska Wesleyan heads north to face Luther on Saturday, December 6 at 2 p.m. in Decorah as A-R-C play continues.
