WAVERLY, Iowa - Nebraska Wesleyan opened the calendar year on the road Saturday afternoon, falling 75-42 to Wartburg in the first game of 2026 inside the Hoover Fieldhouse. The Prairie Wolves battled early, but a decisive rebounding advantage helped the Knights pull away as the game progressed.
How It Happened
First Quarter
The opening six minutes were tightly contested, with neither team able to create much separation. Wartburg held a slim five-point edge at the four-minute mark, but Peyton Tritz answered with five points down the stretch to trim the deficit to 12-9 with 1:35 remaining. Wartburg closed the quarter with a late push and took a 17-9 lead into the break.
Second Quarter
Defense took center stage for both teams in the second period as scoring was at a premium. Nebraska Wesleyan worked to find rhythm offensively while Wartburg began to assert itself on the glass. The Knights used second-chance opportunities to gradually extend their advantage heading into halftime.
Third Quarter
Wartburg came out of the locker room with renewed energy, turning rebounds into transition chances and building separation. The Prairie Wolves continued to compete on the defensive end, but the Knights' ability to control the boards limited Nebraska Wesleyan's scoring opportunities.
Fourth Quarter
Nebraska Wesleyan continued to play through its bench and search for a spark in the final period. Wartburg maintained control by winning the rebounding battle and capitalizing on extra possessions, closing out the 75-42 decision.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
UP NEXT
Nebraska Wesleyan returns home to Snyder Arena on Wednesday, January 7, hosting Simpson at 5:30 p.m.
