BY LUKE ULLESTAD ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
The Knights opened Iowa Conference play Wednesday with a 64-54 loss to Dubuque.
Kelly McCarville led the Knights in scoring with 12 points and pulled down seven rebounds, while Travis Temple recorded nine points in the loss.
“Kelly has done an awesome job. His work ethic is outstanding. Rebound wise, he goes after everything on both ends of the floor. He has really been a great addition for us,” head coach Dick Peth said.
Three Spartan players scored in double digits. Josh Bellaire was the game-high scorer with 16 points.
“We know if we just improve in a few areas that we are going to get some critical road wins,” Peth said.
The Knights won the consolation game at the UW-Stout Tournament in Menomonie, Wis. against Northland College, 86-60 on Nov. 30.
In the Stout Tournament, Wartburg lost their first game against Minnesota-Crookston 82-63, but rebounded to take the consolation game.
With the score 47-28 at the half, the Knights continued scoring in the second half by adding another 39 points.
Wartburg had four players with double figures in their victory against Northland.
Temple scored 16 points, with six from behind the arc, to lead the Knights’ offensive attack. Cashes Mason posted 15 points, while McCarville had 14, shooting 6-8 from the field. Jarrett Williams added 10 points with six from long range.
The Knights dominated on the boards by out-rebounding Northland 35-18 in the game. Jordan Sathoff led the way with eight boards for the Knights.
Wartburg came up victorious in the Buzz Levick Tournament the weekend of Nov. 21 and 22 by defeating Bethany Lutheran, 64-53.
The Knights started the weekend by defeating Rockford College on Friday, 72-69.
Mason led all scorers with 21 points.
He also grabbed five rebounds and dished out four assists. McCarville posted 17 points and recorded nine rebounds. Ross Timmermans had 12 points to go along with his four steals. Danny Stark was perfect from the field by going 3-3, with nine points and a game-high 13 rebounds.
In the championship contest, Cole Danielson led the Knights offensively by dropping nineteen points and shooting 5 for 7 from 3-point range. Stark had a game-high 12 rebounds. McCarville was second in rebounds with eight. Elijah Hunt added 10 points to the Knight’s 64-53 victory.
“We were happy with the outcome. We battled defensively and it was a huge win based on our defense,” Peth said.
The Knight’s will face Bethany Lutheran again, but this time in Mankato, Minn. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.
Ross Timmermans had 12 points to go along with his four steals. Danny Stark was perfect from the field by going 3-3, with nine points and a game-high 13 rebounds.
In the championship contest, Cole Danielson led the Knights offensively by dropping 19 points, by sinking five three’s. Stark had a game-high 12 rebounds. Elijah Hunt added 10 points in the victory.
“I felt we had a chance to look at a number of guys in the program who could bring some certain things to the team and with that being said, we were happy with the outcome. We battled defensively and it was a huge win based on our defense,” Peth said.
Two Knights were honored by being named to the all-tournament team. Danielson and Stark were hononred for their efforts during their home tourney.
Up next for the Knights will be a re-match against Bethany Lutheran in Mankato, Minn. on Wednesday, Dec 10. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.