DECORAH, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's basketball team suffered their first conference loss against the Luther College Norse 58-64 on Wednesday night snapping a four game winning streak. 

The Spartans led early 4-2 to open the game, but trailed for the entirety of the game the rest of the way, trailing by as many as 16 in the third quarter after a 12-0 run by the Norse in the first five minutes of the third quarter. The Spartans answered with a 10-3 run to close out the third quarter to get within seven entering the fourth quarter. The Spartans got to within one possession, but were unable to get any closer falling to the Norse. 

Tabria Thomas led all scorers with 18 points even after shooting 2-13 from the field. The points came at the free throw line where she went a perfect 14-14. The 14 makes by Thomas are the most makes at the line without a miss in a single game in program history. She currently has made 19 free throws in a row dating back to last Saturday against Edgewood College. Megan Teal scored in double figures with 15 on 7-13 shooting from the field. 

A positive note for the Spartans was the return of 2021-2022 A-R-C Defensive Player fo the Year in Karsen Kershner who was out all of last season due to a preseason injury. In limited minutes, Kershner was able to score four points via free throws and grabbed eight rebounds. 

The Spartans won the points in the paint battle 26-16 over the Norse, but struggled in second chance points as they allowed the Norse 15 second chance points compared to only four for the Spartans. 

The Spartans sit at 4-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play. 

Up Next
The Spartans will face Simpson College on the road on Saturday, December 2 at 2:00 p.m. in Indianola, Iowa.