LINCOLN, NE – The Nebraska Wesleyan men's basketball team punched their ticket to the American Rivers Conference Championship game for the second straight year with a commanding 85-53 victory over Wartburg in the semifinals on Thursday night at Snyder Arena. The Prairie Wolves, now 20-6 overall, will host Central College in the championship game, looking to defend their their home court.

Wartburg, the six seed, entered the game with hopes of an upset, but Nebraska Wesleyan's relentless offense and stifling defense proved too much to handle. The Prairie Wolves shot 52.4% from the field, including 38.5% from beyond the arc, while holding Wartburg to just 38.2% shooting. Nebraska Wesleyan also dominated the boards, outrebounding the Knights 37-29, and forced 17 turnovers, converting them into 28 points.

How It Happened
The Prairie Wolves set the tone early, opening the game with a 19-10 run fueled by Jack Groeteke and Carter Glenn. Groeteke, who finished with a game-high 19 points, was a force on both ends of the floor, adding seven rebounds, four blocks, and three steals. Glenn, meanwhile, chipped in 17 points, and dished out an assist.

Wartburg kept the deficit to single digits up until about midway through the first half, but Nebraska Wesleyan responded with a 22-9 run to take a commanding 43-23 lead. The Prairie Wolves' defense was particularly effective during this stretch, forcing five turnovers and holding the Knights to just four field goal over a ten-minute span. By halftime, Nebraska Wesleyan led 43-23, with Groeteke and Glenn combining for 22 points.

The second half was more of the same, as the Prairie Wolves continued to pour it on. A 12-8 run to start the half extended the lead to 55-31, effectively putting the game out of reach. Nebraska Wesleyan's offense was efficient, shooting 51.5% from the field in the final 20 minutes, while their defense held Wartburg to just 30 points in the second half.

The Prairie Wolves' depth was a key factor, as their bench outscored Wartburg's 25-14. Nebraska Wesleyan's ability to rotate players and maintain intensity on both ends of the floor kept the Knights from mounting any significant comeback.

The final minutes were a formality, as Nebraska Wesleyan emptied its bench and cruised to the 85-53 victory. The Prairie Wolves' defense was the story of the night, holding Wartburg to just 53 points, their lowest total of the season.

Key Stats

• Team Shooting: 52.4% FG, 38.5% 3PT
• Rebounding: Nebraska Wesleyan 37, Wartburg 29
• Points off Turnovers: Nebraska Wesleyan 28, Wartburg 13
• Bench Points: Nebraska Wesleyan 25, Wartburg 14

Up Next
Nebraska Wesleyan will host Central College in the American Rivers Conference Championship game on Saturday night at Snyder Arena. The Prairie Wolves will look to defend their title and secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM.

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