Written by BVU Sports Info Intern, Jordan Henningsen

The Buena Vista women's basketball team hopes to bounce back from dropping two straight conference games last week, as they return home to host Wartburg College tonight in a 6:00 p.m. tip-off inside of Siebens Fieldhouse.

The Beavers are coming off a tough matchup against Luther College on Saturday after fighting back late in the game to finish just short in the 79-72 loss. BVU now sits two games behind the Knights for a chance at a conference tournament bid with four games to play.

The two teams rank sixth and seventh place in overall conference standings heading into the last couple weeks before post season play begins. When the two teams met earlier this season, the Knights scored the game's final 13 points and edged BVU, 85-75.

The Beavers rank third in the conference (all games) in points scored per game with 72.9, but struggle to limit their opponents from scoring, as they sit in last place on points allowed per game with 72.6.

Wartburg comes into tonight with a solid team field goal percentage (42.6%) as well as 3-point shooting percentage (34.6%) which rank third in both statistical categories among the conference.

Despite struggling defensively, BVU has had a strong presence on the boards ranking first in the conference with 45.8 rebounds per game. Leading this effort is senior Shelby Wiederhoeft, with 6.8 rebounds per game which puts her among the top-five in the conference. Wiederhoeft also contributes 10.3 points per game for the Beavers sitting just behind junior, Lexi Fisher (12.1ppg).

The Knights are led by Kailey Kladivo with an average of 14.6 points per game which ranks her second in the conference. Kladivo also leads the Knights, defensively, with a team-high 5.3 rebounds per game. Bobbie Burrows is also a strong offensive presence for Wartburg with 12.0 points per game.

The game could come down to which team protects the ball better.  The Knights enter with an overall turnover margin for the year of +1.8 while the Beavers sit at -1.0.

Tonight will also be Community Appreciation night with all Storm Lake and BVU Community members gaining FREE admission and a FREE bag of popcorn for attending the game.