LINCOLN, Neb. - (12/30/2025) - Nebraska Wesleyan's final act of 2025 had all the ingredients for a memorable sendoff, but the script flipped late as the Prairie Wolves couldn't fend off a surging Howard Payne squad on Tuesday afternoon, falling 96–91.
NWU (8–4) held the lead for 31 minutes and change and entered the final stretch with momentum after a rugged defensive showing through the first 32 minutes. But a decisive 27-10 run from the Yellow Jackets in the last five minutes flipped the scoreboard for good, sending the Prairie Wolves into the New Year looking for answers after the home loss.
Nebraska Wesleyan placed five in double figures for the second straight game. Senior forward Nick Howard overcame early foul troubles to finish with a game-high 16 for the Prairie Wolves, while senior guard Seth Newton stacked another near-double (15 points, 14 rebounds). NWU forced 12 turnovers, swatted five shots and came up with 10 steals, but the inability to capitalize from deep (9-for-30, .300) and uneven trips at the stripe (16-for-26, .615) proved costly as Howard Payne shot nearly 46% in the game.
The loss ends NWU's 2025 slate and halts a six game winning streak.
How It Happened
First Half
NWU struck first behind a confident opening run, highlighted by a rhythm three from Devin Holmon at the top of the arc and a downhill finish from Howard for an early 11–8 edge at the 15:16 mark. With Howard stapled to the bench for nearly 11 minutes thanks to two quick personals, the Prairie Wolves leaned on their guard depth. Christian Winn and Jared Townsley combined for 18 in the half, while Holmon orchestrated as the secondary creator.
The Prairie Wolves shot 48.6% before halftime and forced seven giveaways to take a 50-45 lead into the locker room.
Second Half
For 12 minutes, NWU dictated pace with their signature zone looks that stalled Howard Payne's rhythm. A Payson Gillespie three point play stretched the margin to 79–64 with 8:19 to go, NWU's largest lead of the night, but the Yellow Jackets caught fire from distance, converting three straight possessions into points as the tide shifted.
Howard Payne's late-game rebounding edge finally broke the seal as NWU chased instead of dictated in the closing possessions. Down three in the final :30, Jared Townsley's contested three point jumper rimmed out. Forced to foul, the Prairie Wolves watched the Jackets close it at the line to escape with the five-point win.
Inside the Box Score
- Nick Howard, F, Sr. — 16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists
- Seth Newton, G, Sr. — 15 points, 14 rebounds, 3 triples
- Devin Holmon, F, So. — 11 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals
- Christian Winn, G, Jr. - 15 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists
- Jared Townsley, G, Jr. - 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
Game Notes
- The 10 steals mark the sixth time this season NWU has reached double-digit takeaways.
- This is the second straight game the Prairie Wolves have had five players in double figures.
- Newton's 14 rebounds mark his second double-digit rebounding game in a row and his fifth of the season.
- Holmon's six assists are a new career best.
Up Next
Nebraska Wesleyan opens 2026 with a road test at Wartburg on Saturday, January 3 in American Rivers Conference play. Tip-off in Waverly is scheduled for 4:00 PM as the Prairie Wolves look to steady the ship and reclaim momentum heading into a defining January stretch.
