LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Wesleyan closed its home schedule Wednesday night with a competitive but costly third quarter, falling to Buena Vista University, 82-73, inside Snyder Arena.
The Prairie Wolves (4-20, 1-14 American Rivers Conference) matched Buena Vista possession for possession for much of the opening half before a 29-point third quarter by the Beavers created separation that proved decisive.
Carney Black delivered one of her most efficient performances of the season, finishing with 30 points on 13-of-18 shooting while adding 11 rebounds for her third double-double of the year. The senior center scored at all three levels, knocked down two 3-pointers and anchored a Nebraska Wesleyan attack that produced 38 points in the paint.
Buena Vista (15-10, 9-6 A-R-C) countered with balance and perimeter efficiency. The Beavers shot 54.5 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc, including a blistering 10-of-14 effort in the third quarter. Mary Walker and Bradi Krager each scored 19 and 18 points, respectively, while Tyme Boettcher added 14. Buena Vista assisted on 17 of its 30 field goals and held a 29:07 to 7:23 advantage in time with the lead.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The opening quarter featured 11 lead changes and four ties. Nebraska Wesleyan built a 6-2 edge midway through the period behind Black and Anastyn Pettlon before the Beavers answered with perimeter shooting. The teams went to the second tied 20-20.
The Prairie Wolves briefly reclaimed momentum in the second quarter. A driving layup from Maddie Demke and a midrange jumper from Alison Davis helped trim a seven-point deficit to one, and Black's interior finish in the final minute kept Nebraska Wesleyan within 37-34 at the break. The Wolves shot 48.4 percent in the first half and held a 20-18 edge in paint points over the opening 20 minutes.
The game turned after halftime.
Buena Vista opened the third on an 16-3 run and shot 71.4 percent in the period, including 5-of-6 from 3-point range. Walker and Krager combined for 15 points in the quarter as the Beavers stretched the margin to 66-51 entering the fourth.
Nebraska Wesleyan made a final push. Black buried a 3-pointer from the top of the key and Rhyanne Mackling converted at the free-throw line as the Prairie Wolves cut the deficit to seven midway through the fourth. Mackling finished with 12 points and three rebounds, while Pettlon and Peyton Tritz each added eight. Tritz also contributed three assists and a steal.
The Prairie Wolves outscored the Beavers 22-16 in the final period and forced 20 Buena Vista turnovers on the night, turning them into 25 points. However, the Beavers closed the game at the free-throw line, finishing 13-of-22 overall to seal the nine-point decision.
Nebraska Wesleyan shot 45.2 percent from the floor and committed 11 turnovers. The Prairie Wolves held a 38-36 edge in paint scoring and received 18 points from the bench.
Wednesday also marked Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night. Each student-athlete was joined during pregame introductions by a faculty or staff member who has impacted their academic experience, highlighting the program's continued emphasis on the Division III model.
UP NEXT
Nebraska Wesleyan concludes the regular season Saturday, Feb. 21, traveling to face the University of Dubuque. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Dubuque, Iowa.
