MEN’S BASKETBALL PICKS UP RIVALRY WIN

ALEX ECONOMOS, TRUMPET STAFF WRITER

The Wartburg Men’s Basketball team once again defeated rival Luther College on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The Knights beat the Norse 71-64 to improve to 9-12 overall and 5-7 in American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) play.

Last time the two schools faced, the Knights beat the Norse 80-71 in Levick Arena, and this time around, the change of scenery did not phase the Knights. The previous weekend, which was alumni weekend at Wartburg, the basketball program held a banquet to welcome former Wartburg basketball players back on campus.

Lewis “Buzz” Levick, former head coach of the Knights for 28 season in the 1960s, 70s and 80s was on campus to support the program. Levick spoke at the banquet about the big week ahead and reiterated the importance of Wednesday’s game against Luther because of the seasoned rivalry,
but also because he will be celebrating his 93rd birthday on the same day. Jack Molstead ’23 led the way with 14 points in 28 minutes.

Max Smith Drahos ’21 added 12 points, seven rebounds and two steals. After coming off a 19 point double-double against Central last weekend, Ryan Stulken ’21 added 10 points and seven rebounds. The Knights had four players in double figures.

Wartburg had 10 players see the floor for at least 10 minutes throughout the game, which showed the Knights’ depth. The Knights also had 25 bench points and shot 89% from the free throw line. After leading for a majority of the game, the Norse were able to cut the deficit to three with about a minute left to play. Buckets from Stulken and Smith Drahos sealed the victory for the Knights.

Looking ahead, the Knights will seek revenge against Buena Vista University at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, in Levick arena. The Knights lost to Buena Vista earlier in December.