#14 Nebraska Wesleyan Drops Season Opener to UW-Eau Claire in a Tight Finish

Game Leaders

Nebraska Wesleyan
Pts: Jack Groeteke - 18
Reb: 2 Players (#03, #45 - 8)
Ast: 3 Players (#03, #05, #21 - 1)
UW-Eau Claire
Pts: Michael Casper - 25
Reb: Cade Hall - 15
Ast: Cade Hall - 6

Team Stats

Nebraska Wesleyan
UW-Eau Claire

Field Goals

(21-60)
(21-55)

Field Goal %

35.0%
38.2%

Rebounds

40
40

Assists

3
13

Turnovers

12
14

Pts off Turnovers

8
12

2nd Chance Pts

13
9

Pts in the Paint

22
16

Fastbreak Pts

1
8

Bench Pts

9
5
full stats
Nov 09, 2024

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The #14 Nebraska Wesleyan men's basketball team fell just short in their season opener, dropping a 68-64 contest to UW-Eau Claire at the UW-Eau Claire Tip Off Classic on Saturday night.

How It Happened

Nebraska Wesleyan opened strong, taking an early lead of 8 points midway through the first half, thanks to consistent scoring and a quick pace. However, UW-Eau Claire countered with a 14-0 run late in the half, swinging the momentum their way and securing a 34-27 lead at the break.

Coming out of halftime, the Prairie Wolves battled back with contributions from Jack Groeteke, who led NWU with 18 points and 8 rebounds, and Conner Brown, who added 12 points. Carter Glenn also helped the offense with 14 points, 7 of which came from free throws, as NWU cut into the Blugolds' lead. A late surge brought Nebraska Wesleyan within striking distance, closing the gap to just four points in the final minute, but they were unable to overcome UW-Eau Claire's defense.

The Blugolds' outside shooting, led by Michael Casper's 25 points on 7-for-15 from three-point range, proved too much in the end as UW-Eau Claire held off NWU's final push to secure the win.

By the Numbers

Nebraska Wesleyan shot 35.0% from the field (21-for-60), including 36.4% (8-for-22) from beyond the arc, and 73.7% from the free-throw line. UW-Eau Claire finished shooting 38.2% from the field, with a slightly higher three-point accuracy at 38.7% (12-for-31). The Prairie Wolves and BluGolds tied on the boards wit 40 a piece. UW-Eau Claire capitalized on fast breaks and second-chance points to keep their lead.

Prairie Wolves Notes

  • Jack Groeteke paced Nebraska Wesleyan with 18 points and led the team in rebounds with 8.
  • Carter Glenn contributed 14 points, including 7-for-7 on free throws, while Conner Brown added 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
  • The Prairie Wolves will look to rebound tomorrow in the second game of the Tip Off Classic.

Up Next

Nebraska Wesleyan continues their participation in the UW-Eau Claire Tip Off Classic, facing UW-La Crosse at 2:30 PM on Sunday.