LINCOLN, Neb. - Nebraska Wesleyan leaned on balance, physicality and consistent downhill pressure to earn a 68-57 American Rivers Conference victory over Simpson on Wednesday night inside Snyder Arena. The win keeps the Prairie Wolves unbeaten in conference play and pushes their overall record to 10-4 on the 2025-26 season.
How It Happened
First Half
Christian Winn set the tone immediately, drilling a three on the opening possession and scoring Nebraska Wesleyan's first five points. The Prairie Wolves repeatedly attacked off high ball screens, creating clean lanes to the basket and scoring consistently in the paint. Despite strong interior success, Nebraska Wesleyan struggled from the perimeter, making just three three-pointers in the opening half. Nick Howard capped his 10-point first half with a smooth finish at the rim, while Seth Newton added a highlight contact dunk over a Simpson defender as part of his seven-point opening frame. Simpson took advantage of missed shots to stay even, sending the game into halftime tied at 33-33.
Second Half
Simpson ramped up defensive pressure to slow Nebraska Wesleyan's offensive rhythm and prevent a run. The Prairie Wolves continued to find success inside, leaning on Howard and Newton to control the paint. Winn and Howard answered every Storm push with timely baskets, preventing any shift in momentum. Nebraska Wesleyan held Simpson to 24 points in the second half and closed out the game at the free-throw line to secure the 68-57 win.
Inside the Box Score
Game Notes
- Nebraska Wesleyan scored 38 of its 68 points in the paint, continuing a season-long trend of interior efficiency.
- The Prairie Wolves won the rebounding battle 43-34, outworking an athletic Simpson squad on the glass.
- Nebraska Wesleyan improved to 5-0 in American Rivers Conference play, only one of two remaining unbeaten teams in conference play.
- Howard's double-double marked the sixth of his collegiate career, but first at Nebraska Wesleyan.
- Winn has scored in double figures in three straight games.
- The Prairie Wolves held Simpson to 24 second-half points, their second lowest conference opponent total this season.
Up Next
Nebraska Wesleyan returns to Snyder Arena on Saturday, January 10, hosting conference contender Dubuque at 4 p.m. in a key American Rivers Conference matchup.
