DUBUQUE, Iowa - The cross-town rivalry between the University of Dubuque and Loras College on the hardwood have showcased many highlights over the years. The two schools met Wednesday in a near capacity crowd in the first of two meetings this season. The Duhawks captured the victory 65-76, inside the Stoltz Sports Center. Jaylin McCants surpassed the 1,000th career point mark after ending the night with 16 points (1,001 pts.) and became the 25th Spartan in school history to accomplish this feat.

The Spartans would struggle on the offensive end right out of the gate shooting 2-18 from the field in the first 9:40 of the first half trailing 6-14. The Spartans would slice the lead to within five three separate occasions, but the Duhawks would build an 11 point lead at 21-32 with 3:03 to go before the half. The Spartans most effective minutes of the night were the final three minutes before half as they went on a 17-6 run to close within four at the break. Despite shooting 29.4% from the field in the first half, the Spartans were well within striking distance. 

The Spartans scored the opening basket of the second half, but the Duhawks would score the next 13 points to lead 36-51 with 16:55 left in the game. Loras used the next four minutes and got their biggest lead of the night at 40-60, but the Spartans refused to give in as an 18-7 run over the following nine minutes of play, as the Spartans were back to within eight at 59-67 with 3:32 left. The Duhawks made timely shots and free throws in the end to come away with the win. 

Hear from Robbie Sieverding
"It was a great atmosphere in Stoltz Wednesday night. We struggled to get into rhythm offensively and missed to many shots by the rim and really hurt ourselves going 22-36 from the foul line. We just haven't played well enough the past couple weeks and we need to practice better and clean some things up in order to be successful. Saturday is alumni day and we are looking forward to seeing some former Spartans on campus."

The Spartans simply could not buy a shot tonight as they finished the game 18-63 (28.6%) from the field. Another area was at the free throw line where the Spartans shot 9-12 (75%) in the first half, but followed it up in the second half going 13-24 (54.17%). 

McCants finished with 16 points to lead the team as Brock Simon collected a 12 point, 10 rebound double-double. Sam Kilburg also added 12 points and Dylan Anderson was one point shy of a double-double as well finishing with nine points and 10 boards. 

Up Next
The Spartans are now on a three-game skid after starting the season undefeated, but the Spartans will be looking to bounce back as they host the Simpson College Storm on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.