DUBUQUE, Iowa - There has been a common theme with the University of Dubuque men's basketball team through two games this season and it starts with the second half dominance the Spartans have shown and it continued into tonight against the Monmouth College Fighting Scots. The Spartans would lead by only four points at half and lead by as many as 26 in the second half on their way to their third straight win to open the season defeating Monmouth 77-60. 

The Spartans quickly got out to a 9-0 lead and found their biggest lead of the first half leading 26-16 with 7:12 remaining in the half. The Spartans would lead by a slim 34-30 margin at the half. Later in the second half, the Spartans led 59-47 and then the Spartans used a pivotal 10-0 run to blow the game open at 69-47. Robbie Sieverding and the Spartans have done a great job this year of making halftime adjustments against their opponents as they outscored Monmouth 43-30. In all three games combined the Spartans are outscoring their opponents 133-82 (+51) in the second half. 

Jaylin McCants scored a season-high 22 points tonight on 9-14 shooting from the field. McCants has now led the Spartans in scoring in each of the first three games. Sam Kilburg had 21 points that included six made threes which ties the most he has made in a game in his Spartan career. Grady Thompson was a perfect 4-4 from beyond the arc to go along with 15 points off the bench. 

The Spartans shot 42.2% (27-64) from the field and 37.1% (13-35) from three. Nine of the made three-pointers came in the second half for the Spartans. 

The Spartans continue to open the season perfect at 3-0. 

Up Next
The Spartans have a quick turnaround as they host Aurora University tomorrow (11/18) afternoon at 4:00 p.m.