DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's basketball team picked up a much needed 64-57 victory over the Central College Dutch to stay in the hunt for the #3 seed in the American Rivers Conference Tournament. The Spartans honored five seniors for Senior Day that have contributed in an immense way in their time in a Spartans uniform.
The Spartans held a small three point lead after the first quarter, but was able to start hitting shots in the second quarter. The Spartans shot 57.14% from the field in the quarter and held the Dutch scoreless from beyond the arc going 0-12 in the first half. With a 19-8 advantage in the quarter, the Spartans led by 13 at the half.
The Dutch would eventually start to hit shots in the third quarter with four made three-pointers as they shortened the Spartans lead back to five points with one quarter to play. The Spartans were able to settle back in defensively to maintain a lead in the final 10 minutes.
Tabria Thomas led the Spartans with 13 points and seven rebounds.
Karsen Kershner added 11 points and Sam McDonald off the bench added 11 of her own.
Isabella Tierney was the fourth in double-figures with 10.
Morgan Hawkins didn't score, but came up big grabbing seven rebounds of the defensive end.
Megan Boby got her very first career start for Senior Day today, making two free throws in the closing minutes of the game.
The Spartans were near perfection from the charity stripe going 13-14 and were dominate in the points off turnover battle as the Spartans forced 17 Dutch turnovers turning them into 23 points.
With the win the Spartans move to 15-8 overall and 9-5 in conference play. The Spartans currently sit in the #4 seed for the A-R-C tournament with two games remaining in the regular season. Up Next? The Spartans trail the Coe College Kohawks by one game in the standings who they will play at home next Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. inside Stoltz Sports Center.
If the Spartans can defeat the Kohawks it would put them both at 10-5 in the conference and the tiebreaker would be record among common opponents. The opponent would be Simpson where the Spartans swept the Storm and Coe went 1-1, so the Spartans would have the tiebreaker.
The Spartans will end the regular season with Loras College on Saturday, February 17 at 2:00 p.m.
