Pella, Iowa – (February 19, 2025) Nebraska Wesleyan women's basketball battled on the road but came up short against a sharp-shooting Central College squad, falling 79-40 at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. The Prairie Wolves worked to generate offense but faced a strong defensive effort from the Dutch, who shot 50.9% from the field and connected on 15 three-pointers.
How It Happened
Central got off to a fast start, taking an 18-5 lead after the first quarter. Nebraska Wesleyan found looks early but couldn't convert, shooting 2-of-17 from the field. Alison Davis put NWU on the board with a layup in the opening minutes, but Central responded with an 11-3 run to close the quarter.
The Prairie Wolves showed resilience in the second quarter, with Rhya Cano coming off the bench to provide a much-needed spark. Cano scored the first points in the period, a hook shot that cut the deficit to 18-7. However, Central's defense tightened, forcing six turnovers and holding NWU to 2-of-11 shooting in the quarter. The Dutch carried a 33-13 lead into halftime.
Nebraska Wesleyan found some offensive rhythm in the third quarter, putting up 18 points, their best scoring stretch of the night. Carney Black led the charge scoring all nine of her points in the third quarter, including a three-pointer that trimmed the gap to 35-16. Central, however, continued to execute efficiently, using a balanced attack to extend their lead to 53-31 heading into the final period.
The Dutch put the game away in the fourth quarter, shooting 10-of-16 from the field and pulling away down the stretch. Mackenzie Watenpaugh contributed four points in the final period for the Prairie Wolves, who continued to fight until the final buzzer.
Carney Black led NWU with nine points and one rebound. Rhya Cano provided a strong presence off the bench, scoring six points and grabbing three boards. Alison Davis added seven points and three rebounds, while Mackenzie Watenpaugh chipped in four points. Maddie Demke had a solid all-around game, leading the team with four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
By the Numbers
- Nebraska Wesleyan's bench scored 19 of the team's 40 points.
- The Prairie Wolves committed 21 turnovers, leading to 30 Central points.
- Central held a 43-26 rebounding advantage.
- NWU shot 29.6% from the field and 16.7% from three-point range.
Up Next
Nebraska Wesleyan (1-23, 0-15 American Rivers) returns home to Snyder Arena on Saturday, February 22, for their season finale against Buena Vista. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. as the Prairie Wolves look to bounce back in front of their home crowd. The Prairie Wolves will also honor senior Miranda Oestereich on her senior day.
The 2024-25 Men's and Women's basketball seasons are presented by TeamMates Mentoring. For more information, visit TeamMates Mentoring.
