LINCOLN, Neb. — Staring down a halftime deficit and a familiar test of resolve, the (RV) Nebraska Wesleyan University men's basketball team authored another composed, late-game response Saturday afternoon, erasing a seven-point second-half deficit to defeat Wartburg 75-72 in an American Rivers Conference showdown at Snyder Arena.
The Senior Day victory, highlighted by timely shooting and poise in the game's final minute, pushed Nebraska Wesleyan to 17-5 overall and 12-1 in league play. Wartburg fell to 12-10 overall and 4-9 in the A-R-C. A crowd of 1,074 energized the afternoon as the Prairie Wolves honored seniors Nick Howard and Amun Collins prior to tipoff.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Despite the narrow final margin, the contest unfolded as a battle of momentum, execution and resilience. Nebraska Wesleyan attempted five more shots than Wartburg and converted at a 42.2 percent clip, while the Knights finished at 45.8 percent. The Prairie Wolves connected on 11 three-pointers at a 34.4 percent rate, countering Wartburg's eight makes from deep. Both teams made 10 free throws, with Nebraska Wesleyan going 10-of-13 and Wartburg 10-of-16.
Defense set the tone early. Nebraska Wesleyan could not have scripted a better opening, racing out to a 10-0 lead and forcing a Wartburg timeout in the opening minutes. Jared Townsley sparked the run, drilling a three-pointer before jumping a passing lane and converting a layup on the other end as Snyder Arena erupted.
The Knights regrouped out of the timeout, responding with a run of their own to settle into the game. Wartburg eventually grabbed a 15-14 lead with 13 minutes remaining as the pace quickened and both offenses found rhythm. Nebraska Wesleyan stayed within striking distance, trimming the margin to 25-22 midway through the half, but Wartburg closed strong. The Knights outscored the Prairie Wolves 16-12 over the final stretch of the period to carry a 41-34 advantage into the break.
The response after halftime reflected the composure that has defined Nebraska Wesleyan throughout conference play. A three-pointer out of the locker room cut the deficit to four, and the Prairie Wolves began to chip away possession by possession. After a Wartburg basket, Nebraska Wesleyan scored on three straight trips. Howard buried a three, Collins attacked the rim for a reverse layup, and Townsley pulled up in transition to knock down a deep three, giving the Prairie Wolves a 45-43 lead.
Wartburg answered, scoring five of the next eight points, but Nebraska Wesleyan remained steady. A 10-6 Prairie Wolves run followed, capped by an emphatic Howard dunk that put the hosts back in front 58-54 with under 10 minutes to play. From there, the game settled into a possession-by-possession battle.
Christian Winn muscled inside for a key layup with four minutes remaining as both teams showed signs of fatigue but continued to execute. Wartburg hit timely shots and free throws down the stretch and briefly reclaimed the lead at 68-67 with 1:14 left.
As he has done repeatedly this season, freshman Neal Mosser delivered in the defining moment. Coming off a Howard ball screen, Mosser created just enough space, rose with confidence and buried an arching step-back three with 57 seconds remaining. The shot gave Nebraska Wesleyan a lead it would not relinquish.
Leading 75-72, the Prairie Wolves fouled a Wartburg three-point shooter. The Knight stepped to the line and missed all three free throws. Wartburg secured the offensive rebound and kicked the ball out for one final look from beyond the arc, but the attempt rattled out as time expired, sealing the Senior Day victory.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Neal Mosser: 14 pts, 4-8 3FG, 4 asts
- Nick Howard: 13 pts, 5-7 FG, 8 rebs
- Jared Townsley: 12 pts, 2 stls.
- Christian Winn: 4 pts, 4 rebs, 4 asts
- Devin Holmon: 10 pts, 6 rebs
- Seth Newton: 7 pts, 2 rebs, 3 asts
UP NEXT
Nebraska Wesleyan will travel to Loras for a showdown between the top two teams in the A-R-C on Saturday, Feb. 14, with tipoff set for 4 p.m.
