Wartburg jumped out to a 21-0 lead and never let Buena Vista get closer than six points the rest of the way. The Beavers missed their first 10 shots from the field as they saw their 23-game winning streak come to a jarring halt.
Wartburg, which held a commanding 38-22 halftime lead, forced 13 Buena Vista turnovers in the first half alone. The Knights were led by Amanda Berner who registered 24 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks. When the two squads had squared off two weeks ago, she was held to four points and four rebounds.
The Knights were able to hold on to their big early lead by shooting 26 of 32 (81 percent) from the free throw line. Elizabeth Campbell, who netted 15 points, and Casey Huber who added 10 points, were each seven of eight from the charity stripe. Natalie Tarkett also reached double figures with 12 points.
Buena Vista, which lost at home for the first time in 35 games, was led by Katie Maguire who scored 19 of her 22 points in the second half. Kristina Kapler registered 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Beavers, who failed to make a three point shot in the first half, shot 35 percent (20 of 58) from the field and 19 percent (four of 21) from beyond the arc.
Wartburg held a 42-38 rebounding advantage. The Knights scored 36 second half points despite making just nine shots from the field.
Buena Vista's last loss came on November 27 to Mayville State. The Beavers, now 25-2 on the season, still have a chance at being named to the NCAA III National Tournament field. The full field will be unveiled on Sunday evening. The Beavers were ranked first in the West Region entering the night.
Wartburg, 16-10 on the year, advances to tomorrow night's conference championship game, which will be hosted Simpson College. The winner will receive the conference's automatic bid into the NCAA III Tournament.
Wartburg College vs Buena Vista University 2/25/05 6:00 at Storm Lake, IA At Storm Lake, IA WARTBURG COLLEGE 74, BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY 62 WARTBURG COLLEGE (16-10, 9-7) BERNER, Amanda 9-16 6-9 24; CAMPBELL, Elizabeth 3-5 7-8 15; TARKETT, Natalie 3-8 4-4 12; HUBER, Casey 1-5 7-8 10; HENDRICKS, Megan 2-4 1-1 5; MULLINS, Diana 1-5 0-0 3; KUGLER, Jessica 1-5 1-2 3; PIRKL, Laura 1-5 0-0 2; MULDER, Tarah 0-1 0-0 0; SCHOONOVER, Alecia 0-0 0-0 0; FRANTZ, Jamie 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 21-56 26-32 74. BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY (25-2, 16-0) MAGUIRE, Katie 5-17 10-12 22; KAPLER, Kristina 5-11 5-7 15; HOLTORF, Megan 2-4 2-2 6; HEITMANN, Penni 2-2 0-1 4; STALEY, Kelli 2-8 0-0 4; GRIGGS, Jess 1-5 1-3 4; HARTWIG, Tracy 2-7 0-0 4; MEYER, Lindsey 1-4 0-0 3; PUTNEY, Melissa 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 20-58 18-25 62. Wartburg College.............. 38 36 - 74 Buena Vista University........ 22 40 - 62 3-point goals-Wartburg College 6-18 (CAMPBELL, Elizabeth 2-2; TARKETT, Natalie 2-6; HUBER, Casey 1-4; MULLINS, Diana 1-3; FRANTZ, Jamie 0-2; PIRKL, Laura 0-1), Buena Vista University 4-21 (MAGUIRE, Katie 2-7; GRIGGS, Jess 1-4; MEYER, Lindsey 1-4; STALEY, Kelli 0-2; HARTWIG, Tracy 0-4). Fouled out--Wartburg College-KUGLER, Jessica, Buena Vista University-None. Rebounds-Wartburg College 42 (BERNER, Amanda 13), Buena Vista University 38 (KAPLER, Kristina 10). Assists-Wartburg College 17 (FRANTZ, Jamie 4; TARKETT, Natalie 4), Buena Vista University 11 (MAGUIRE, Katie 6). Total fouls-Wartburg College 21, Buena Vista University 26. A-750