Nebraska Wesleyan led for the first 25 minutes of the game and for nearly 35 minutes but Mount Marty closed the game on a 8-0 run to pull away in the end for a 61-55 victory in GPAC women's basketball action on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 28) at Cimpl Arena in Yankton, S.D.

The Prairie Wolves (5-15, 2-13 GPAC) looked like they were going to snap their seven-game losing streak and knock off the Lancers (14-9, 9-6 GPAC) who were receiving votes in the NAIA II poll.

Shea Rasmussen had a huge day for Nebraska Wesleyan as she scored 19 first half points on a perfect 5-5 from 3-point range in the first half to give NWU a 30-27 lead.

NWU maintained that lead to start the second half until a 3-pointer by Taylor Forsch with 15:02 remaining gave the Lancers their first lead of the game. Rasmussen came back down on the next possession to score and allow NWU to regain the lead.

Nebraska Wesleyan remained on top until two free throws by Hannah Youngberg gave Mount Marty the lead, 49-47, with 4:25 to play. Like before Rasmussen responded as she scored an old-fashioned 3-point play on a back door pass from Mallory Shanahan to give NWU a 50-49 lead.

The Prairie Wolves would then be held without a field goal until 14 seconds left in the game as Rasmussen hit a 3-pointer.

Rasmussen finished with a game-high 27 points hitting 6-8 from 3-point range. Mallory Shanahan also scored in double figures with 11 points and nine rebounds. Melissa Bennett had 14 rebounds for the Prairie Wolves.

Mount Marty, held to just 33.3 percent shooting, had four players in double figures led by Kylie Gross with a double-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds.