WAVERLY, Iowa. - Nebraska Wesleyan opened the 2026 calendar year with a dramatic road victory Saturday afternoon, edging Wartburg 68-67 in Levick Arena behind clutch free throws from
Nick Howard in the final seconds. The Prairie Wolves bounced back from a midweek loss by shooting 44.2% from the field, weathering foul trouble and momentum swings, and executing when it mattered most. The win lifts Nebraska Wesleyan to 9-4 overall and a perfect 4-0 in American Rivers Conference play.
How It Happened
First Half
Nebraska Wesleyan set the tone early with sharp ball movement and confident shot-making, building a double-digit lead midway through the opening half. Seth Newton sparked the offense from the perimeter, while Christian Winn established a presence inside by attacking the rim and controlling the paint. Wartburg responded with defensive pressure and a late surge, holding the Prairie Wolves to just 20% shooting over the final eight minutes of the half. The Knights closed strong to take a 33-30 lead into the break.
Second Half
The Prairie Wolves regrouped after halftime and retook control with balanced scoring and a 50% shooting effort in the second half. Newton connected on timely three-pointers, and Winn continued to create opportunities around the basket. Nebraska Wesleyan pushed its largest lead of the half to seven at 49-42 with 12:32 remaining, but Wartburg answered to set up a tense finish.
With just over a minute left, Nebraska Wesleyan clung to a one-point lead when Devin Holmon's three-point attempt came up short. Moments later, Newton fouled out, sending Wartburg to the line where the Knights converted both free throws to take a 66-65 advantage. On the ensuing possession, Winn was called for a travel, and Wartburg appeared poised to seize control.
The Knights missed two shots but grabbed offensive rebounds on both attempts before calling timeout with 24 seconds remaining. Nebraska Wesleyan elected to foul out of the timeout, and Wartburg made the first free throw before missing the second. Winn secured the rebound and pushed the ball across half court, where head coach Dale Wellman used his final timeout.
Out of the break, the Prairie Wolves went back to Winn in the post. His turnaround narrowly missed, but Wartburg fouled to send him to the line. After a timeout intended to ice the shooter, Winn calmly knocked down the first free throw before the second rimmed out. Howard tracked down the offensive rebound and was fouled on the putback attempt. With under three seconds remaining, Howard buried both free throws to give Nebraska Wesleyan a 68-67 lead. Wartburg, without a timeout, was forced into a desperation heave from just beyond half court that came up short as time expired.
Inside the Box Score
- Christian Winn: game-high 23 points and five rebounds
- Seth Newton: 12 points, hitting 3-of-4 from three-point range, 4 rebounds
- Nick Howard: eight points, nine rebounds (game-winning free throws)
Game Notes
- Nebraska Wesleyan shot 44.2% from the field compared to 40.0% for Wartburg.
- The Prairie Wolves went 8-of-27 from three-point range, while the Knights finished 9-of-28.
- Wartburg held a 46-30 rebounding advantage, but Nebraska Wesleyan capitalized on late extra possessions.
- Christian Winn recorded his second 20-point game of the season.
- Nebraska Wesleyan improved to 4-0 in A-R-C play for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
Up Next
Nebraska Wesleyan returns home to Snyder Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 7, hosting Simpson for a 7:30 p.m. tip.
