DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque men's basketball team won their first American Rivers Conference contest on Wednesday over the Coe College Kohawks 86-71 on Jon Davison Court.

The Spartans defense held the visiting Kohawks to just 20 points in the opening half while jumping out to a 39-20 lead. The Kohawks shot a chilly 26.7%, making just eight baskets. The Spartans sank 16-35 shots from the field for 45.7% and were led by Sam Kilburg's 10 points. The Kohawks came out after the break and would attack the Spartans lead and would shoot nearly 70% from the field (19-29 attempts from the field and 5-10 attempts from the three point arc). UD's Peter Ragen would finish with 20 points and three blocks to lead all scorers. Patrick Mayfield trailed closely behind with 19 points. Kilburg would finish with 10 points and Trent Fitzpatrick came off the bench to score 11 points in 11 minutes.

UD held the advantage in rebounding 40-37, UD's Brock Simon grabbed four offensive and four defensive boards.The Spartans were out scored in the paint when the Kohawks fed the ball inside in the second half of play by a 36-26 margin. UD led in points off turnovers 12-8 and in second chance points 8-2.

UD's game on Saturday at Nebraska Wesleyan University has been postponed and a game may be announced on Thursday in replacement.nThe Spartans improve to 5-0 overall, 1-0 in A-R-C as the Kohawks tumble to 0-1 overall and 0-1 in league action.