LINCOLN, Neb. – Grinnell College's men's basketball squad hung with the nation's preseason top-ranked team for a portion of the first half Thursday night, but then Nebraska Wesleyan University pulled away for a 143-90 win.
Vinny Curta '19 poured in a game-high 23 points against the defending national champs while also grabbing five rebounds and earning two steals. He was 11-of-15 from the line, giving him 523 career free throws, which ranks second at Grinnell. Curta also increased his career field goal total to 531, 10th-best at Grinnell.
Jackson Qualley '22 had a strong collegiate debut with 16 points while
Zachary Stice '21 and
Hannes Kogelnik '21 had 12 each. Kogelnik added five assists,
Will Bebee '22 contributed five rebounds and
Ky-Sean Johnson '19 tallied two steals.
After falling down by 11 early, the Pioneers made a big run as
Patrick Simms '22 drained a 3-pointer, Curta made two free throws and Stice sank a trey to cut the Prairie Wolves' lead to three at 16-13.
However, the hosts went on a 13-point run and stretched their lead to 79-47 by halftime. They continued to cruise in the second half for the win.
Grinnell opens its 2018-19 home slate next Tuesday against Eureka College. Action at Darby Gymnasium is set for 6:30 p.m.
