STORM LAKE, Iowa - Nebraska Wesleyan built momentum early and carried a slim lead into the second quarter, but Buena Vista seized control with timely shooting and a decisive second-half run to hand the Prairie Wolves a 64-48 loss Wednesday night at Saggau Family Court in Storm Lake, Iowa.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Quarter
Nebraska Wesleyan set the tone defensively in a grind-it-out opening period. The game featured two early ties before the Prairie Wolves found a late rhythm. Anastyn Pettlon and Anisten Barnett sparked an 8-2 run over the final minutes, allowing Nebraska Wesleyan to take a 12-10 advantage after one.
Second Quarter
Peyton Tritz knocked down a three-pointer to briefly reclaim the lead at 17-14, but the Beavers responded with a balanced stretch on both ends. Buena Vista outscored Nebraska Wesleyan 13-7 over the remainder of the quarter, edging ahead 27-24 at the break as the Prairie Wolves struggled to find consistent looks.
Third Quarter
Buena Vista used second-chance opportunities to extend its lead early in the third, connecting on a three following an offensive rebound to go up 34-30 with 5:39 remaining. Tritz answered almost immediately with another three to cut the margin to one, but the Beavers closed the quarter strong, setting the stage for a decisive swing.
Fourth Quarter
Spanning the final minutes of the third and the opening minute of the fourth, Buena Vista rattled off a 15-2 run to open up a 49-35 cushion. Coming out of a timeout, Pettlon drained her third three-pointer of the night to pull Nebraska Wesleyan within 11, but the Beavers maintained control down the stretch and closed on a 15-10 run.
Inside the Box Score
Game Notes
- Nebraska Wesleyan held an opponent under 65 points for the fourth time in conference play this season.
- Nebraska Wesleyan knocked down eight three-pointers, above its season average from beyond the arc.
- Black's nine rebounds marked her eighth game this season with nine or more boards.
- Tritz has scored in double figures for the first time since the calendar turned to 2026.
Up Next
Nebraska Wesleyan returns to Lincoln to host Luther on Saturday, Jan. 24, with tipoff set for 2 p.m.
