Nebraska Wesleyan edges Storm in heartbreaker

INDIANOLA, Iowa — Caitlin Navratil scored 21 points and made the game-winning layup with 18 seconds left as Nebraska Wesleyan beat the Simpson women's basketball team 85-84 on Saturday at Cowles Fieldhouse.

Janey Botkins missed a runner as time expired to allow Nebraska Wesleyan to escape with a win in a wild game that saw 24 ties and lead changes. Simpson was hurt by committing a season-high 33 turnovers which translated into 34 points for NWU. 

Macy Gustafson had 22 points and six rebounds to lead the Prairie Wolves (13-7, 4-7 Iowa Conference), who have won 2 of 3. 

Noreen Morrow had 18 points and eight rebounds and Botkins went 6-for-9 from 3-point range to finish with 18 points for the Storm (12-8, 6-5). 

Despite trailing for most of the game, Simpson put together a late run to take the lead with less than 3 minutes to play. Kali Rasmussen nailed a 3 to pull within 80-78 then back-to-back layups by Morrow gave Simpson an 82-80 lead with 2:49 left.

Gustafson made 1 of 2 at the line and Carly Bostock's short jumper gave the lead back to Nebraska Wesleyan, 83-82. Morrow put Simpson back ahead on a layup with 48 seconds left and Jenna Taylor rebounded Gustafson's miss. But Navratil stole the ball from Taylor and converted the fast-break layup for the game-winner.

Victoria Hazard added 16 points and five assists for Simpson, which lost despite a significant shooting advantage. Simpson shot 58.2 percent from the field while Nebraska Wesleyan managed just 39.1 percent.

Up Next
Wednesday, Jan. 31 at Luther

Key Players
Noreen Morrow — 18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks
Janey Botkins — 18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 6-9 3s
Victoria Hazard — 16 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
Jenna Taylor — 11 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block