DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque football team used an explosive second half to break open a tight one point first half on Saturday to remain unbeaten in American Rivers Conference play with a 31-16 victory on Chalmers Field.

The opening quarter proved to be a defensive battle with neither team able to put any points on the board. Early in the second quarter the host Spartans would hit pay dirt off an eight yard touchdown run by Kallion Buckner at 12:19. BV responded just 10 seconds later for a 75 yard touchdown pass at 12:09, but would miss the extra point for a slim 7-6 UD lead. BV added another passing touchdown to capture thir first lead of the day 13-7. As the first half was closing the Spartans found Karletty Faamatuainu for a 35 yard strike from quarterback Jacob Keller with just 2:26 remaining to lead at the break 14-13.

UD's defense would step and held the Beavers to just a field goal in the second half. UD added a 32 yard field goal by Jacob Wolf and a pair of one yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter to extend their lead 31-16 as the game ended. Buckner capped off a nine play 73 yard drive with a one yard run and teammate Tiger Geeslin scored from a yard out on a four play 12 yard drive for the final score.

BV led the Spartans in total offense 382-345, but would be held to 2-4 in chances in the red zone, while the Spartans scored on all four of their chances.

Keller who left the game at the end of the third quarter finished with 17-26 for 209 yards through the air and was the second leading rusher with six carries for 48 yards. Buckner ran 16 times for 54 yards and two touchdowns.Elliott Pipkin grabbed five passes for 77 yards and took some big hits in the win. Jordan LaBelle caught five passes for 69 yards as eight Spartans finished with a catch.

In special teams play, Conner Halla punted five times for 142 yards and placed one inside the 20. Tyler Sheffield kicked off six times for 363 yards and an impressive four touchbacks. Defensively UD was led by Colton Pedersen who led both sides with 12 tackles. Marshon Crowder collected nine tackles including 1.5 sacks, an interception, and a pass break-up. Tyler Geiman had five tackles, two pass break-ups, and the games only blocked punt which his teammates turned into points.