WAVERLY, Iowa-- Similar to the women's game, the Wartburg men's basketball team found itself in a narrow game Wednesday night against Coe.

The Knights took the 46-39 lead into halftime but the Kohawks used a strong second-half as the lead changed hands eight times in the second half.

The margin did not exceed four points for the final 17:27 of the game. Coe led by four at 66-62 with 4:05 remaining.

Junior Brett Ahlgren (LeClaire) made two consecutive treys to give the Orange and Black the lead for good at 75-72 with 0:45 on the clock.

The Kohawks made it a one-point game with a layup with 0:31 left but junior Eddie Diemer (Cedar Falls) made three free throws down the stretch to give Wartburg the four-point lead to seal the win.

Senior Mitchell Murphy (Cresco) had a team-best 16 points, Diemer finished with 15 and Ahlgren had 14, just two shy of his career mark.

Murphy now needs two more assists to become the program's all-time leader.

With the win, Wartburg moved to 9-5 overall and remained undefeated (4-0) in conference games. Coe is now 9-6, 2-2 after being tabbed the preseason favorite in the coaches poll.

This is the best IIAC start for the Knights since the 2004-05 season when they won 15-straight conference games.

Head Coach Dick Peth also earned his 250th victory at Wartburg.

The Orange and Black take to the road Saturday for a 4 p.m. game against Buena Vista.

Waterloo Courier recap