DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's basketball team hosted the Luther College Norse in the Spartans American Rivers Conference home opener on Wednesday night, falling to the Norse 64-51 at the Stoltz Sports Center.

The Spartans could not get anything going in the first 10 minutes, shooting just 20% from the field and six total points in the opening quarter. The shooting heated up as the Spartans had their best shooting quarter in the second, but were only able to cut the Norse lead by one as they trailed 29-21 at the break. The Norse outscored the Spartans by five in the third quarter to extend their lead to 13 entering the final quarter. The Spartans wouldn't be able to cut the Norse lead any further, dropping the conference opener to the Norse by a final score of 64-51.

Samantha McDonald scored a game-high 18 points on 7-15 shooting. Brynn Haas also scored in double-figures after a 12 point performance off the bench. Rebounding was crucial in this game as the Spartans were out rebounded 50-31 on the glass with 14 offensive rebounds for the Norse. The Spartans did win the points in the paint battle 32-24 and doubled up the Norse on bench points. 

The Spartans fall to 1-5 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

Up Next
The Spartans will travel to Indianola, Iowa for the first road conference game of the year when they take on the Simpson College Storm on Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m.