DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's basketball improved to 5-3 and a tie for third in the American Rivers Conference standings after a convincing 71-59 victory over the Luther College Norse on Wednesday night.

Morgan Hawkins led the offense with 19 points and dominated the Spartans rebounding with 14 boards. Isabella Tierney shot 50% from the three point line to grab 15 points and Tabria Thomas ended the night with 10 points and five steals. The Spartans defensive pressure forced the visiting Norse into a game high 28 turnovers and UD would score 28 points. UD stretched their lead to 22 points late in the third period and finished the game with 40 points in the paint.

The contest provided just one lead change as the Spartans kept the lead for a dominating 37:39 of the game. UD added 15 points in second chance points, but were out scored by the Norse bench 20-15. UD struggled from the outside, sinking 4-14 attempts from beyond the three point arc. The Spartans will continue their home stand on Saturday, January 21 when they host the Central College Dutch at 2:00 p.m. in Stoltz Sports Center. On Wednesday, January 25, the Spartans welcome league leader the Wartburg College Knights with tip-off slated for 5:30 p.m. on Jon Davison Court.