DUBUQUE, Iowa - In the regular season finale for the University of Dubuque women's basketball team, the Spartans fell to cross-town rival Loras College by a final score of 42-65. 

The Spartans couldn't have asked for a better start in a tough road environment as they held the Duhawks to 28.57% shooting in the opening quarter and built a 19-9 lead by going 9-15 (60%) from the field in the first 10 minutes of play. The Duhawks answered with a 10 point advantage in the second quarter to go to the half knotted at 32-32. 

Since the opening quarter where the Spartans made nine baskets, the Spartans would only make a total of 10 shots through the next three quarters and only four shots in the second half. The Duhawks defense was able to stop the Spartans for a majority of the second half. 

Karsen Kershner led the Spartans as the lone player in double-figures with 15 points on 7-13 shooting from the field. Morgan Hawkins grabbed six rebounds and Isabella Tierney had three assists. 

The Spartans finish the regular season 15-10 and 9-7 in conference play. The Spartans earned the #4 seed in next week's A-R-C tournament. 

Up Next
The Spartans will host the #5 seed Simpson College Storm on Tuesday, February 20 at 5:30 p.m. on Jon Davison Court. The Spartans swept the Storm in the regular season in their two meetings. 

First Round - Tuesday, February 20, 2024
No. 4 Dubuque vs. No. 5 Simpson at 5:30 p.m.
No. 3 Coe vs. No. 6 Luther at 7:00 p.m.

Semifinals - Thursday, February 22, 2024
No. 1 Wartburg vs. No. 4/5
No. 2 Loras vs. No. 3/6

Championship - Saturday, February 24, 2024
Semifinal #1 Winner vs. Semifinal #2 Winner