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Nebraska Wesleyan EDU
Carter Glenn
63
Winner Neb. Wesleyan NWU 18-6,11-4 American Rivers
54
Central (IA) Cent 13-11,8-7 American Rivers
Winner
Neb. Wesleyan NWU
18-6,11-4 American Rivers
63
Final
54
Central (IA) Cent
13-11,8-7 American Rivers
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Neb. Wesleyan NWU 31 32 63
Central (IA) Cent 28 26 54

Game Recap: Men's Basketball |

Prairie Wolves Lock Down Central in Road Win

Pella, Iowa – (February 19, 2025) Nebraska Wesleyan men's basketball delivered a defensive statement on the road Wednesday night, defeating Central College 63-54 at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. The Prairie Wolves controlled the tempo and executed on both ends, highlighted by a stifling defensive effort that held reigning conference player of the year and Central all-time leading scorer Joshua Van Gorp to just one point.

How It Happened

Nebraska Wesleyan came out with defensive intensity, forcing tough shots and contesting every possession. Central found an early rhythm and led 9-2 after the first three minutes, but NWU responded with a 10-2 run, sparked by a three-pointers from Carter Glenn and Conner Brown and a layup inside from Chrisian Winn. The Prairie Wolves took their first lead at 12-11 and controlled the game from there.

Central stayed within striking distance behind three-point shooting, even retaking the lead at 23-20 with seven minutes left in the first half. But Nick Howard answered with a quick three and then Jack Groeteke buried a three-pointer from the wing to push NWU's lead back to multiple possessions. The Prairie Wolves took a 31-28 advantage into halftime thanks to a half court pullup from Seth Newton.

NWU controlled the second half with a balanced attack and relentless defense. Groteke single handedly opened the period on an 8-0 run, forcing Central into tough, contested shots. Glenn continued to make plays in the second half, knocking down a pull-up jumper to extend the lead to 41-28 at the 16-minute mark.

Central made a push with a three-point basket from Will Hendricks, trimming NWU's lead to 46-35 with just over 13 minutes to play. But the Prairie Wolves responded again. Christian Winn hit a three, and Andrew Brewer finished a layup to stretch the lead back to 14.

The final stretch belonged to Nebraska Wesleyan's defense. Van Gorp, who had been contained all night, was denied multiple post touches, and the Dutch struggled to find clean looks. Central managed just three field goals in the final three minutes, as NWU secured its 11th conference win of the season.

Key Performers

  • Jack Groeteke led NWU with 17 points, including four three-pointers, while adding six rebounds.
  • Carter Glenn contributed seven points, four rebounds, and two assists.
  • Conner Brown finished with 11 points and seven boards, controlling the interior.
  • Seth Newton grabbed 10 rebounds and added three assists, anchoring NWU's defensive effort.

By the Numbers

  • Nebraska Wesleyan held Van Gorp to just one point on 0-3 shooting.
  • The Prairie Wolves outrebounded Central 43-35 and had a 9-8 edge in second-chance points.
  • The Prairie Wolves shot 39.3% from the field, including 10-28 from three-point range (35.7%).

Up Next

Nebraska Wesleyan (18-6, 11-4 American Rivers) returns home for Senior Day on Saturday, February 22, hosting Buena Vista at Snyder Arena. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. as the Prairie Wolves aim to finish the regular season with a win.

The 2024-25 Men's and Women's basketball seasons are presented by TeamMates Mentoring. For more information, visit TeamMates Mentoring.

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