STORM LAKE, Iowa (March 9, 2021) - The Buena Vista men's basketball team opened up an early double-digit lead and never looked on Tuesday night against seventh-seed Wartburg College, as the second-seeded Beavers rolled to a 96-70 victory over the Knights in the quarterfinal round of the American Rivers Conference Tournament.

BVU was aided by a season-high 15 three-point buckets, including a 9-of-18 effort in the first half, to build a 54-32 halftime lead.  The Beavers held Wartburg to just 2-of-15 from long range in the second half as the Knights connected on only 6-of-29 from beyond the arc in the game.

Despite the struggles from outside, Wartburg stayed within striking distance early in the second half but the Beavers at the hot hand all game long and maintained a 20-point cushion for the later part of the half.

Senior Michael Demers went 4-of-8 from long range to give him 142 career treys, moving him past Travis Person (141) on the program's all-time list.  Demers turned in a game-high 24 points to go along with seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.  Fellow seniors Jake Thompson and Garrett Sittner added 16 points apiece with Thompson going 3-of-4 from distance and also bringing down a game-high nine boards and dishing out a game-best five assists.  Zane Neubaum also reached double figures with 11 points and dished out three assists.

BVU finished the game shooting 54.8 percent overall from the field and totaled 26 assists on 34 made field goals.  The Beavers improve to 24-7 all-time in home conference tournament games.

Max Smith Drahos led Wartburg (4-7) with 14 points as the Knights were held to just 42.9 percent shooting in what was the final game of their shortended season.

Buena Vista moves on to the semifinal round which takes place on Thursday night.  The Beavers (8-2) will play host to inside of Siebens Fieldhouse.

Game time is expected to be at 7:00 p.m.