News Release

DECORAH, IA — Clutch free throw shooting late in the game was the determining factor in a 72-66 Iowa Conference men’s basketball victory for Wartburg College in front of over 1,800 fans at Luther College’s Regents Center Saturday, Feb. 21.

The win locked up the second seed for the Knights (18-7) in the upcoming league postseason tournament. Wartburg hosts Central Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 8 p.m. in Knights Gymnasium in quarterfinal round action.

Head coach Dick Peth’s team took the lead for good midway through the second half after a back-and-forth first frame. Six consecutive made charity tosses from sophomore forward Rance Cartmill and sophomore guard Jason Steege in the final 45 seconds iced the win.

Sophomore center Nate Schmidt led the scoring parade for Wartburg, tallying 18 points on seven-of-eight field goal and four-of-five free throw shooting. Steege added 16, while Cartmill finished with 14 and a team-high three steals and six rebounds.

Senior forward Jake Lappe notched a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds to guide the Norse.