LAS VEGAS, Nev. - (12/29/22) The University of Dubuque men's basketball team wrapped up their final game in the D3hoops.com Classic against Ramapo College Roadrunners, out of New Jersey. This was the first matchup between the University of Dubuque and Ramapo College. Thanks to an effective shooting night, the Spartans are now 1-0 against the Roadrunners, as they cruised to an 84-62 victory.

Early on in the first half, both teams traded buckets as the score was knotted at 16-16 with 11 minutes left. A few possessions later Keegan Zimmerman threw a lob to Jaylin McCants for the alley-oop dunk which gave the Spartans a burst of energy as they took the lead 21-19. The Spartans would then extend their lead to 28-23 by the use of a 7-0 run. Bryce Prochaska contributed to the run by connecting on a three and then a second chance put back. To end the half, the Spartans lead 38-29.

Four minutes into the second half, the Spartans extended their lead to 44-32, as Brock Simon threw down a two-hand slam and McCants scored off a fast break layup forcing Ramapo to call a timeout. From then on, the Spartans got hot from three-point land and broke the game wide open. In the ensuing minutes, Hunter Synder drained three three-pointers as the Spartans led 54-36. Soon after, Josh Hammer and Sam Kilburg got in on the action as they each hit two three-pointers. With six minutes left, the Spartans led by as many as 28 points with a score of 75-47. As time expired the Spartans went on to win 84-62.

The Spartans had five players scoring in double figures. Zimmerman led the way with 15 points, followed by McCants and Kilburg each with 13 points, as Simon finished with 11 points, and Prochaska contributed 10 points. The Spartans shot 30-67 from the field (45%) and 13-32 (41%) from beyond the arc. Swarming defense by the Spartans forced 18 Ramapo turnovers which resulted in 24 points off turnovers for the Spartans. The Spartans will enter the new year with a 10-3 record overall and 3-1 in A-R-C play. 

Up Next

The Spartans will return home from Las Vegas and will turn their attention towards conference play for the rest of the season. Next up on the schedule for the Spartans are the Coe College Kohawks. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, January 4, inside the Stoltz Sports Center for a 7:30 p.m. tip.