DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's basketball team visited cross-town rival, Loras College on Wednesday for a conference match-up. After losing to the Duhawks on Jon Davison court last month, the Spartans were looking to redeem themselves in front of a capacity crowd at Loras. The Spartans were able to use a strong third quarter to take the lead into the fourth quarter, but would ultimately fall short in the battle with the Duhawks, 82-88.

Both teams would trade baskets in the first quarter and the Spartans would see their biggest lead of the game with 4:26 left in the first 17-13. The Duhawks would close the gap in the final minutes of the first to take the lead heading into the second quarter. The Duhawks were able to control the second quarter building on their lead to take a 48-36 halftime lead. Whatever was said in the halftime locker room by coach Justin Smith paid off as the Spartans came out of the locker room energized and would outscore the Duhawks 28-15 in the third quarter to take a slim 64-63 lead heading to the fourth. The Spartans would be unable to overcome some late turnovers and the Duhawks would capitalize to walk away with the tough victory. 

Karsen Kershner would have a season best scoring 27 points and adding three blocks. Allison Bailey had a great shooting night as well, going 7-9 from the field for 22 points. Tabria Thomas and Miah Smith would each record 10 points to hit double figures. Kathleen Mathias would record a game high five steals on the night. The Spartans were great in the paint tonight and scored over half of their points in the area with 42. 

UP NEXT
The women's basketball team will be back in action this Saturday, February 19 at 2:00 p.m. for the regular season finale when they take on the Luther College Norse on Senior Day. They will then follow up their regular season finale with a first round conference tournament game against a team that will be determined after Saturday's games. The Spartans have locked in the #4 seed, so they will host the #5 seed at home on Tuesday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m.