Norse Come Up Short at Home
Feb. 20, 2008
A last second jumper by Luther's Zac Ruckebeil slipped off the rim at the buzzer and the Norse dropped a heartbreaking 54-53 decision to Wartburg here in the Regents Center.
The Norse led 28-27 at halftime, but did not score a field goal for almost 10 minutes in the second half, and watched a five-point lead (38-33) turn into a five points deficit (46-51).
With a little over three minutes left in the game, the Norse battled back, and took a one-point lead (52-51) with 1:58 remaining, thanks to three-point baskets by Logan Prochaska and Austin Bildstein.
The very next trip down the floor, Wartburg's Lee Nelson connected on a bomb, that was a good two feet behind the arch, that gave the Knights the lead for good (54-52).
Luther's Nnamdi Okolue had an opportunity to tie the game with 1:29 remaining, and made one of two free throws. A missed jumper by Nelson with 24 ticks left on the clock, set up the final opportunity for the Norse.
Ruckebeil, Bildstein and Jake Waddle all reached double figures. Ruckebeil recorded a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Bildstein tallied 12 points and Waddle chipped in 11.
Wartburg's Cashes Mason led all scorers with 18 points, 14 of which came in the second half. He was followed by Brad Schmitt and John Schutte with 12 and 11 respectively.
The loss drops Luther's Iowa Conference record to 2-13, 6-18 overall. Wartburg is now 5-10 in league play, 8-16 overall.
The Norse will wrap up the 2007-08 season at home on Saturday, hosting Central College at 4:00 p.m.
