At the start of the game, both teams traded three baskets to allow BVU graduate student Zane Neubaum score six points and become the program's second all-time leading scorer with 1,833 points, surpassing Hall of Famer Adam Jones. Neubaum is out for the season due to injury and had not played since Jan. 25 at Coe College.
After the restart and the game tied at 6-6, the Knights used a 17-7 run to build their largest lead of the half of 23-13 at the 12:40 mark. BVU responded with eight straight points to cut the lead down to 23-21 before Peterson connected from long range to give the Beavers their first lead at 28-27. The game continued to go back-and-forth throughout the half with the Knights clinging to a 44-41 lead at the half.
Wartburg scored seven of the first nine points of the second half to quickly go back up by double digits at 53-43 before later extending the advantage to its largest of the game at 66-51 midway through. Daniel's three-point play three minutes later then sparked a 7-0 run for BVU that allowed the Beavers to begin clawing their way back. The Knights continued to lead by nine with three minutes to go before a late surge by the Beavers. Sievers converted an and-one that brought the team within six and it had a chance to get within three after Ned Hays was fouled on a three-point shot the next trip down the floor. Hays made 1-of-3 at the line which left it a 75-70.
The Beavers were able to slowly get as close as three after a long range make from junior Jackson Jones with 15 seconds left but Wartburg made its free-throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Marshun Williams led Wartburg (14-10, 7-8 A-R-C) with 24 points and five rebounds with Austin Bienemann adding 19 points and five boards.
Buena Vista falls to 11-12 on the year and 6-8 in conference play. BVU looks to keep its conference tournament berth alive as it travels to Simpson College on Wednesday, Feb. 19, for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off and a chance to complete the season sweep of the Storm.
