Nebraska Wesleyan Falls to North Central in Colorado College Tip-Off Classic

Game Leaders

North Central (Ill.)
Pts: Biz Daly - 26
Reb: Biz Daly - 12
Ast: Grace Kieffer - 6
Nebraska Wesleyan
Pts: Jada Smith - 12
Reb: Jada Smith - 7
Ast: Rhea Cano - 3

Team Stats

North Central (Ill.)
Nebraska Wesleyan

Field Goals

(33-83)
(25-51)

Field Goal %

39.8%
49.0%

Rebounds

47
32

Assists

19
11

Turnovers

7
26

Pts off Turnovers

34
8

2nd Chance Pts

17
2

Pts in the Paint

46
36

Fastbreak Pts

7
3

Bench Pts

16
28
full stats
Nov 15, 2024

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Nebraska Wesleyan women's basketball fell to North Central (Ill.), 86-58, in their first game of the Colorado College Tip-off Classic on Friday afternoon at Reid Arena. The Prairie Wolves dropped to 0-2 on the season despite strong performances from Jada Smith and Tessa Skelton.

How It Happened

The first quarter ended in a 14-14 tie, with Jada Smith and Tessa Skeltoncombining for seven points. Nebraska Wesleyan's defense forced three turnovers, keeping the game competitive.

In the second quarter, North Central found their rhythm, going on a 12-point scoring run to take a 31-25 lead at halftime. The Prairie Wolves managed just four field goals in the period, including a three-pointer from Tessa Skelton, as the Cardinals capitalized on NWU's seven turnovers and turning them into nine points.

Nebraska Wesleyan attempted to mount a rally in the third quarter, with Mackenzie Griffin coming off the bench to lead the charge. Despite the deficit being single digits until the 4:00 mark, the Prairie Wolves couldn't contain North Central's 54.5% shooting efficiency, trailing 60-41 by the end of the third.

The fourth quarter saw North Central pull away, outscoring NWU 26-16 and going 4-4 from three-point range. Mackenzie Griffin added another five points, and Genesis Watson chipped in with a couple of late baskets, but the Cardinals' fast-break opportunities and 17 second-chance points proved too much to overcome.

Inside the Numbers

  • Nebraska Wesleyan: Shot 49.0% from the field (25-for-51), 21.4% from three-point range (3-for-14), and 55.6% from the free-throw line (5-for-9).

  • Key Performers:

  • North Central: Shot 39.8% from the field (33-for-83), including 31.8% from three-point range (7-for-22). They scored 34 points off turnovers and 46 points in the paint.

Up Next

Nebraska Wesleyan (0-2) continues action in the Colorado College Tip-off Classic, taking on Pacific University (Ore.) on Saturday, November 16, at 1:00 PM (CT). The Prairie Wolves look to secure their first win of the season as they continue to develop under new head coach Jim Wiedie.

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