CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- There are two men's basketball games on the schedule tonight in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) and they should not disappoint. Loras College and Nebraska Wesleyan University will host tonight's semifinal games.
The top-seeded Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves (18-7 overall, 13-3 A-R-C) will host fourth-seeded University of Dubuque (17-9 overall, 9-7 A-R-C) in the semifinal round. Tipoff from Snyder Arena is slated for 7:00 p.m. The Spartans swept the regular season champion Prairie Wolves during the regular season. On January 10 in Lincoln, UD grabbed a 78-74 win. In the regular season finale on January 21, UD earned a 68-65 win. The winner will advance to the championship game on Saturday, February 28.
The Prairie Wolves are in the tournament field for the ninth time since joining the league in 2016. It is the 16th appearance for the Spartans. A win on Thursday night would secure the sixth appearance in the championship game for Nebraska Wesleyan and the fifth for UD. The Prairie Wolves have been in last two championship games, while Spartans are looking to make a return trip to the championship game for the first time since 2022.
The third-seeded Coe College Kohawks (19-7 overall, 10-6 A-R-C) will head to second-seeded Loras College (18-7 overall, 12-4 A-R-C) to keep their postseason dreams alive. The teams split during the regular season. In the first meeting in Dubuque, Iowa, the Duhawks picked up a 85-76 win. On February 7, the Kohawks defended their home court and earned a 78-74 victory. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. from Lillis Court on the campus of Loras College. The winner will advance to the championship game on Saturday, February 28.
The Duhawks are making their 22nd trip to the tournament while the Kohawks are earning their 21st trip. Both teams are eyeing trips to the title game. Loras most recently was in the championship game in 2024 and are looking to make their sixth trip to that game. The Kohawks are looking to return to the championship game for the first time since 2023. Coe has been in the championship game five times previously.
Admission:
Ticket prices will be $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for students without a valid A-R-C ID and seniors (60 and older). Children 5 and under, and all current students with valid A-R-C ID shall be admitted free.
Live Streaming:
The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) will move to a pay-per-view model for the entirety of the basketball tournaments for the 2025-26 season to enhance the championship experience. This move provides improved broadcasting opportunities as the A-R-C moves through its strategic plan with a main goal of improving streaming efforts.
All basketball tournament games will be available exclusively through the American Rivers Sports Network through Hudl. Fans can access the broadcasts online or through the American Rivers Sports Network app (available on smart TV’s, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and mobile devices).
Subscription Model:
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One Game Pass: $10
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Tournament Pass: $20
The A-R-C is committed to providing a professional-quality broadcast for fans, families, and alumni. A tutorial is available at this link.
Tournament Schedule:
First Round - Tuesday, February 24
No. 5 Buena Vista University (53) at No. 4 University of Dubuque (76)
No. 6 Wartburg College (50) at No. 3 Coe College (66)
Semifinals - Thursday, February 26
No. 4 University of Dubuque at No. 1 Nebraska Wesleyan University - 7:00 p.m.
No. 3 Coe College at No. 2 Loras College - 7:00 p.m.
Championship - Saturday, February 28
Semifinal #1 Winner vs. Semifinal #2 Winner
About the American Rivers Conference
The Conference dates back to December 8, 1922, when representatives from 12 colleges got together and formed the "Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association." Honoring its heritage in Iowa and its expansion outside the state, the American Rivers Conference brand was established on August 9, 2018, to build on the academic and athletic success provided by its legacy, the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The A-R-C has nine full-time members: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.
