DUBUQUE, Iowa - After a string of five non-conference games, the Spartans stepped foot on Jon Davison Court to begin the new year as they welcomed in nationally ranked #12 Wartburg College Knights. Both teams were in for a low scoring defensive battle as the Spartans led 22-21 at the half. The Spartans and Knights needed an extra five minutes to determine a winner as the game went into overtime. As the final horn sounded, the Spartans were edged out by Wartburg in a 53-50 loss.
Wartburg opened up the game with back-to-back three pointers to take the early lead.
Madi Petersen cut into the 12-4 deficit as she connected on a three-point play converting the and-one layup plus the free throw. At the end of one quarter the Spartans trailed 15-9.
Six different Spartans recorded a basket in the second quarter as the Spartans outscored the Knights 13-6. Stifling pressure by the Spartans forced the Knights into a shooting percentage of 14% (2-14). The Spartans gained there first lead after
Kaitlyn Powell made a layup plus the foul, for the three-point play (20-19).
Karsen Kershner scored the final two points of the quarter with a mid-range jumper to take a 22-21 lead into halftime.
Megan Teal and
Isabella Tierney scored eight of the team's 13 points in the third quarter with four points each. At the end of three the Spartans maintained a slim one-point advantage 35-34. Both teams continued to battle back and forth as the game featured nine ties and 10 lead changes. With two minutes remaining,
Tabria Thomas split a pair of free throws to give the Spartans a 42-40 advantage. Down to their last seconds, Wartburg scored with eight seconds left to force overtime.
In overtime, Wartburg jumped out to an 8-2 run as the Spartans trailed 50-46. The Spartans continued to fight as a pair of free throws made by
Samantha McDonald pulled the Spartans within two (52-50) with 48 seconds left. The Spartans forced a turnover on the other end, but a costly turnover in the last possession by the Spartans prevented a comeback win as the Spartans were defeated 53-50.
The Spartans displayed a balanced scoring attack as
Megan Teal led the way with 10 points, followed by Tierney and Kersnher with eight each, and Thomas finished with seven.
Morgan Hawkins had a game high four assists along with five rebounds and four points. Offensively, the Spartans shot 38% (19-49) from the field and 84% (11-13) from the free throw line.
The Spartans are 8-5 overall and 2-2 in A-R-C play.
Up Next
The Spartans will get set to face another conference opponent in the Beavers of Buena Vista University at home this Saturday, January 6th at 2:00 p.m.
