LINCOLN, Neb. - The University of Dubuque men's basketball team made just one three point shot in the opening half of action on Saturday and trailed 43-27. The Spartans rallied against the Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves in the second half, but fell short in the 74-72 final.

"We got off to a slow start and NWU shot the ball extremely well in the first half going 8-11 from three," stated head coach Robbie Sieverding. "I liked our effort and execution in the second half, but we dug ourselves too big of a hole. Jalen Scott had a nice game offensively and Jacob Williams and Sunday John gave us a nice lift off the bench."

Four Spartans finished in double digits in scoring after nobody ended the first half of play in double digits scoring. Jalen Scott led all scorers in the match-up with 18 points off 7-13 shooting from the field. Jacob Williams came off the bench to add 16 points, Grady Thompson ended with 13 points, and Sunday John played 23 minutes off the bench to finish with 12 points. UD shot 25-28 from the field (43.1%), 8-27 from the three point area (29.6%), and 14-21 at the free throw line (66.7%). UD out rebounded the Prairie Wolves 37-30 which included 15 offensive boards. Jaylin McCants was held to six points, but led the team in rebounding with 12 and in steals with three.

UD (7-3 overall, 2-1 in A-R-C) will enjoy a short Christmas break before returning to play at Blackburn College on Dec. 30 at 3:00 p.m. in Woodward Athletic Center in Carlinville, Ill. The Spartans return to Stoltz Sports Center to tip-off the new year against the Gustavus Adolphus College Golden Gusties on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 3:00 p.m.