HONOLULU, Hawaii - On national World Basketball Day it was only fitting for the University of Dubuque men's basketball team to play a basketball game today. What made it even more special was the location of the game as the Spartans battled Whitworth University for the first time in program history and playing on the island for the first time in nearly 12 years. Leading scorer for the Spartans, Jaylin McCants continue his stretch of dominance on the offensive end finishing his night with 31 points that led to a 71-58 victory. 

The Spartans started the game in a slump shooting only 29.6% from the field and not connecting on a single three point attempt. The Spartans had not played in a game since December 2nd at Simpson, which could have led to the slow start for the Spartans as they trailed 22-30 at halftime. 

Even though the Spartans only scored 22 points in the first half and found themselves down eight points, if you have been following the Spartans this season the game was far from over. Typically the Spartans make the correct second half adjustments and take control and dominate the final 20 minutes. The Spartans did just that outscoring Whitworth 49-28 in the second half, shooting 50% and a perfect 13-13 from the charity stripe. The Spartans went on a crucial 24-6 run over a nine minute span in the later stages of the second half that was the difference maker in the game. 

Hear From the Coach: Robbie Sieverding
"We played a great second half after a very slow start. We finally got a little packed and rhythm to our offense in the second half. Jaylin played really well scoring the ball in different ways and Taydem made some nice plays as well. We played really well defensively and held them to 29% in the second half. Proud of our guys because we had such a long break between games and Whitworth is a solid team so it was good to grind that one out. Quick turn around tomorrow with Lewis and Clark and hopefully we can put together a good 40 minutes."

McCants went 11-21 from the field and got to the free throw line 10 times connecting on nine of the attempts and had four steals. His 31 points are the second most he has scored in a game this season, one point shy of tying his season best. The Galesburg, Ill. native has now scored 20+ points in six of the eight games this season with two games above the 30 point mark. 

Taydem Arguello was the other Spartan in double figures with 16 points and the only Spartan to knock down a three pointer (2-6). Dylan Anderson led the team in rebounding with nine boards and Brock Simon dished out a team-high five assists. 

The Spartans remain undefeated this season at 8-0 overall. 

Up Next
The Spartans will face one more opponent in the Hoops in Hawaii Classic as they face Lewis & Clark College at 5:00 p.m. (CT) as they look to come back to Iowa still without a loss.