DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque men's basketball started slow on Saturday, but would remain unblemished after capturing the American Rivers Conference contest over the Simpson College Storm by a 87-74 mark.
The Spartans played at Simpson College on Jan. 23 and won the non-conference game by a 84-65 margin. Saturday, the Spartans starters would struggle to find their groove early and it would be the second five who rallied from behind before the starters returned with a four point lead over the Storm. The Storm jumped out early and led for over five minutes, pushed it to an eight point advantage before UD warmed up and led by 10 points at the break. Simpson's Chris Honz went 5-6 from the field and 4-4 at the free throw line to lead all scorers in the first half, he would finish with 26 points.
Peter Ragen led UD with 10 points as the bench would out score the starters 27-24.
UD opened the second half and pushed their lead to 16 points in the first minute and half of action. Simpson held the game within reach after powering the ball inside to dominate the paint over the Spartans 40-22. UD pushed the ball and would out score the Storm 17-5 in fast breaks.
Patrick Mayfield scored 13 points in the final half of play and led UD with 21 points and three steals. Ragen was held to six points to end the afternoon with 16 points.
The Spartans (8-0 overall, 4-0 in A-R-C) schedule has changed and UD will travel to Pella, Iowa on Monday, Feb. 8 to face the Central College Dutch at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday the Spartans travel across the state as temperatures dip to play at Buena Vista University on Wednesday, Feb. 10. UD will play Luther College on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. on Senior Day.
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