AUSTIN, Texas – The Nebraska Wesleyan men's basketball team started the Concordia Holiday Classic with a bang, taking down Pacific (OR) 85-70 on Sunday afternoon at Concordia Fieldhouse. Led by a commanding performance from Jack Groeteke, the Prairie Wolves improved to 8-2 on the season, extending their win streak to six games.

How It Happened

Nebraska Wesleyan set the tone early, opening the game with an 11-4 run highlighted by back-to-back threes from Groeteke and Carter Glenn. The Prairie Wolves never trailed, controlling the tempo with sharp ball movement and balanced scoring.

Groeteke's energy fueled NWU's fast start, as the senior forward put up 16 points, three rebounds, and two blocks, including a pair of emphatic dunks that sent the crowd into a frenzy midway through the first half. A five point first half from Christian Winn, who nailed a trio of three-pointers in the game, helped NWU head into halftime with a 50-35 lead.

In the second half, Pacific attempted a comeback, but the Prairie Wolves' defense held strong. Seth Newton dominated the boards with eight rebounds, while Nick Howard's interior defense contributed three blocks, stifling Pacific's offense in the paint.

On the offensive end, Winn stayed hot, finishing with 15 points and five rebounds, while Glenn orchestrated the attack with 11 points and four assists. NWU shot a blistering 50.9% (28-55) from the field and knocked down 12 three-pointers, outpacing Pacific's 26-of-75 effort.

Despite Pacific's 21 second-chance points and a solid bench effort (36 points), the Prairie Wolves' efficiency and depth proved too much. NWU's bench contributed 26 points, led by Howard's all-around effort with 11 points, six rebounds, and two steals.

Stat Leaders

• Jack Groeteke: 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks
• Christian Winn: 15 points, 5 rebounds
• Nick Howard: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks
• Seth Newton: 6 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists

Up Next

The Prairie Wolves return to the court on Monday to face Southern Maine in the final day of the Concordia Holiday Classic. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.

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