LINCOLN, Neb. - In the American Rivers Conference men's basketball tournament semifinals, the University of Dubuque men's basketball team fell to the #1 seed Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) Prairie Wolves 67-73. 

The Spartans opened up the scoring in the semifinal, but NWU score the next six points and led for six minutes before Taydem Arguello knocked down a three-pointer to spark a 7-0 run to lead 17-13. The Spartans would still lead 25-21 with 7:03 remaining in the first half, but NWU would finish the final seven minutes on a 17-5 run that also resulted in the Spartans going scoreless in the final four minutes of the half. 

Trailing by eight out of the halftime break, the Spartans got to within four a few minutes into the second half, but NWU went on another run to get their lead back to eight. The Spartans were unable to get a run throughout the second half to be able to cut into NWU's lead as the closest they got was five points down the stretch. 

Jaylin McCants finished with 21 points to lead all-scorers on the floor. Brock Simon added 18 points with six rebounds and six assists. Dylan Anderson scored 11 points while Sam Kilburg was getting after it on the defensive end recording six steals. 

Hear from Robbie Sieverding
"Tonight was a great atmosphere in Nebraska and unfortunately we didn't execute well enough. Our guys played hard but couldn't make enough free throws and didn't shoot it well from the three point line. Jaylin had a nice game with a double double and Brock played well offensively. We had too many breakdowns on the defensive end to expect to win on the road against a good team. We are looking forward to Monday and hopefully hearing our name called. We believe we have put together a resume strong enough to continue playing."

The Spartans currently stand at 21-6 overall on the season. Now the Spartans will wait until Monday, February 26 at 12:00 p.m. (CT) for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Selection Show to see what their future holds for the postseason.