DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's basketball team used a strong second half to capture Saturday's contest 62-49. The Spartans held the visitors to just nine points in each of the third and four quarters while scoring 32 to overcome a slim halftime deficit 30-31.

Tabria Thomas led the Spartans offense with 15 points in 25 minutes of action. Kathleen Mathias finished with the game's only double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Miah Smith added 10 points and eight rebounds. UD's defense forced 18 MSOE turnovers and converted them into 18 points. The Spartans dominated the inside with 40 points in the paint while MSOE made eight three pointers which included five in the opening half. The Spartans made just 1-14 attempts from beyond the three point arc, but made 13-17 free throw attempts and a perfect shooting in the second half from the charity stripe.

UD will enjoy a Christmas break before returning to action on Dec. 29-30 when they travel north to Northfield, Minn. to play in the St. Olaf Country Inn & Suites Holiday Classic Tournament. UD will face UW-Oshkosh on Dec. 29 at 3 p.m. and play the hosts St. Olaf on Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. to end 2021 play. The Spartans open 2022 on Jan. 5 at Coe College at 5:30 p.m. UD will play at Eureka College on Jan. 7 in a re-scheduled road match-up.