Nebraska Wesleyan hung tough early and was within six points late in the first half but the third-ranked Concordia Bulldogs proved why they were ranked in the NAIA II top five as they pulled away for a 82-58 victory in GPAC women's basketball action on Wednesday night (Feb. 1) at Snyder Arena in Lincoln.

The Prairie Wolves (5-15, 2-14 GPAC) shot just 25.9 percent in the second half while the Bulldogs (23-2, 13-2 GPAC) hit 44.7 percent and scored 39 points to pull away for the win.

NWU battled hard against the Bulldogs after losing by 51 earlier in the season. Payton Everett hit a 3-pointer with 1:30 left before halftime to pull NWU within six at 39-33. Concordia scored the next four points to hold a 43-33 halftime lead.

Shea Rasmussen made a fastbreak layup to keep NWU within six points three minutes into the second half but Concordia would go on a 11-0 run to build up an eventual 21 point lead and never look back.

Rasmussen led NWU with 21 points hitting 9-11 from the free throw line. Janelle Baal also reached double figures with 11 points. Melissa Bennett led NWU with 13 rebounds.

Kristen Conahan scored 20 points to lead Concordia.