Nebraska Wesleyan University scored the last eight points in regulation to send tonight's American Rivers Conference battle in Lincoln into overtime. In the extra frame, the Prairie Wolves outscored the Norse 7-5 to secure a 73-71 victory.
Luther led by as many as 15 points early in the second half and held an eight-point lead (66-58) with three minutes remaining but were unable to score down the stretch.
The Prairie Wolves Josh Rogers, who had not played for five games due to an injury, led all scorers with 25 points.
Luther had three players reach double digits.
Ben Gill scored a career high 18 points and also led the team with six rebounds.
Matthew Franzen was next with 13 and
Daniel Webster added 11.
Second chance points proved to be the difference in the game. NWU tallied 27 points thanks to 27 offensive boards, while Luther had 13 points on 10 offensive rebounds. The Prairie Wolves won the battle of the boards 62-37.
The loss gives Luther an A-R-C record of 2-5, 5-10 overall. NWU is now 3-4 in league play, 9-7 overall.
Luther returns to action on Wednesday, Jan. 26 when it will travel to Coe College for a 7:30 p.m. start.
