By Jax Caddell

WAVERLY, Iowa- On Saturday, Feb. 8, the Wartburg College men’s basketball team narrowly beat Nebraska Wesleyan 63-60. The Prairie Wolves were sitting at the number one spot in the American Rivers Conference, while the Knights were at seven.

No team in this game was able to escape with a lead throughout the full 40 minutes of game time. The largest lead either team had stood at eight points. At no point did any fan in Levick Arena know who was going to win, until the clock hit 0:00. 

On the Knights side, Marshun Williams knocked down a career six three’s, totaling 23 points on the night to play a major role in the Knights win. Austin Bienimen slammed down 14 points and six assists, alongside Gabe Truijullo with 13 points and eight rebounds. 

Nebraska Wesleyan did not make the win for the Knights easy, as Jack Groetke nailed 19 points, having two major three’s to open the game. His athleticism made it tough for the Knights to stop him in the mid-range, and especially the paint. Carter Glenn also had a major game for the Prairie Wolves, obtaining 16 points and five assists. 

In the American Rivers Conference, the top six teams make the tournament. The Knights are sitting at the seven spot, but with their win, it gives them a good chance at sneaking their way into the tournament. The last time the Knights made the tournament was in the 2022-2023 season, where they lost in the first round to Dubuque College, 80-85.

If the Knights are able to defeat Buena Vista on Feb. 15, and then either defeat Dubuque or Coe College, they will make it into the tournament. This would be a big moment for this team, as they missed the tournament last year. 

The Knights play on Wednesday in Dubuque, Iowa, to face Dubuque University. The Knights have three more ARC games left in their regular season before the conference tournament starts. You can watch the game through rollriversnetwork.com. To check the rest of the Knights schedule, click here.