Griffin Hatten | Staff Writer

The Buena Vista Men’s basketball team secured its first conference regular season title since the 2008-09 season and 11th ever this past weekend at home vs. Coe College. Luther College also clinched a share of the IIAC title by beating Wartburg over the weekend.

The Beavers used a big night from senior Wes Nordquist who led the way with 26 points en route to the 72-63 victory.

Clinching a conference title was a first for the group of five seniors on the team. The team has enjoyed a successful career especially after earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament last season.

“Winning a conference title is a great feeling,” senior Troy Ticknor remarked. “This is what you hope and aim for from day one of practice in October; we’re proud to have earned this.”

“I knew coming into Saturday, we needed to win. Luther has been playing well all year. I’m just proud of the guys for how they played this past week. We played as well this week as any time all year,” Head Coach Brian Van Haaften commented. Van Haaften has now won eight regular season titles in his 17 seasons at the helm.

The win on Saturday also moved Coach Van Haaften to a career record of 127-20 inside Siebens Fieldhouse in regular season IIAC play.

“This [conference title] feels just as special as any of the others. It’s the first time we’ve shared the title since I’ve been here. That doesn’t take anything away from winning it. It’s just as special to me and each of the guys. They earned it,” Van Haaften said.

The Beavers, who earned a two seed in the IIAC tournament, will continue a run at the NCAA tournament by playing in Siebens Fieldhouse on Thursday against the winner of the Dubuque and Simpson game. If the Beavers win Thursday, they will play for an automatic NCAA Tournament berth on Saturday.

Photos courtesy of Storm Lake Pilot Tribune