CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – In a game that will be remembered for its dramatic finishes, the Nebraska Wesleyan men's basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 77-75 double-overtime loss to Coe College on Saturday at Kohawk Arena. The Prairie Wolves fought valiantly but ultimately fell victim to a buzzer-beater to force overtime and a game-winning tip-in in the second extra period.
Nebraska Wesleyan, now 17-6 overall and 10-4 in the American Rivers Conference. Coe improved to 14-9 overall and 8-6 in league play.
How It Happened
The game was a back-and-forth battle from the start, with neither team able to pull away. Nebraska Wesleyan led 26-25 after the first half, thanks to a balanced offensive attack led by Jack Groeteke, who finished with a team-high 22 points and seven rebounds. Coe responded in the second half, outscoring the Prairie Wolves 36-35 to tie the game at 61-61 and force overtime.
In the first overtime, both teams struggled to find their rhythm, combining for just 16 points. Carter Glenn hit a pair of clutch free throws to tie the game at 69-69 with thirty seconds remaining, but neither team could convert in the final seconds, sending the game to a second overtime.
The second overtime was just as tense. Nebraska Wesleyan took a 75-74 lead with two minutes to play after Groeteke hit an elbow jumper off an assist from Glenn. But Coe's Bennett Sherry, who finished with a game-high 22 points, answered with a free throw to tie the game at 75-75. Neither team was able to take advantage on their next possessions. With thirty seconds remianing, Glenn had a good look getting downhill and trying to draw some contact. With no call, Glenn missed the layup and gave Coe the final possession. With time winding down, Coe's Cole Hrubes missed a three-pointer, but Cooper Nailor grabbed the offensive rebound and tipped in the game-winner as time expired, sending the Kohawk Arena crowd into a frenzy.
By the Numbers
Nebraska Wesleyan shot 42.6% (23-for-54) from the field and 30.8% (4-for-13) from three-point range. The Prairie Wolves were strong at the free-throw line, converting 25 of 28 attempts (89.3%). Coe shot 40% (26-for-65) from the field and 34.6% (9-for-26) from beyond the arc. The Prairie Wolves held a slight edge in rebounds, 36-34, and forced 16 turnovers while committing 18.
Groeteke led the Prairie Wolves with 22 points, including an 11-for-12 performance from the free-throw line. Seth Newton added 12 points and four assists, while Conner Brown chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds. Carter Glenn contributed 12 points and four steals in a strong all-around effort.
Up Next
Nebraska Wesleyan returns to the road to face Central College on Wednesday, February 19, in Pella, Iowa. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.
The 2024-25 Men's and Women's basketball seasons are presented by TeamMates Mentoring. For more information, visit TeamMates Mentoring.
