MONMOUTH, Ill. - The University of Dubuque traveled to Illinois over the holiday weekend for a non-conference matchup against Monmouth College Fighting Scots. The Spartans jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they maintained the lead the entire game on their way to a 77-74 victory over the Fighting Scots.

To start the game, the Spartans used an 8-0 run to spark momentum. As the first half came to a close, the Spartans extended their lead by as many as 18 points. Offensively, the Spartans shot the lights out shooting 17-32 from the field (53.3%) in the first half. Stout defense by the Spartans limited Monmouth to just 27% shooting in the first half.

Monmouth slowly started to chip away at the 18 point deficit in the second half as they cut the lead to five with nine minutes to go (55-50). Contributions from several Spartans helped increase the lead back up to 14 with four minutes left (65-55). Three point shooting from the Fighting Scots kept them in the game as they shot 8-13 from deep in the second half. With 17 seconds left in the game, Monmouth cut the lead to a one possession game (74-72). Hunter Snyder hit two clutch free throws icing the game as the Spartans went on to win 77-74.

Three starters for the Spartans finished the night with double digit figures. Brock Simon recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Jaylin McCants and Bryce Prochaska each finished with 15 points. The Bench proved to be the difference maker tonight for the Spartans scoring a total of 25 points. Snyder provided key minutes off the bench, scoring 15 points while shooting 4-4 from the field and 3-3 from beyond the arc. The Spartans utilized inside scoring as 52 out of the 77 points came from inside the paint. 

Up Next
The Spartans will have a quick turnaround as they play another non-conference game at Blackburn College tomorrow which is slated for a 2:00 p.m. start. The Spartans will enter the contest with a 4-1 record and 1-0 in conference play.