DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's basketball team won their third straight American Rivers Conference game on Saturday afternoon after defeating the Central College Dutch on their home court in a thrilling 76-69 victory. 

Central jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead, but the Spartans made a big run and led by as many as seven in the opening quarter. The Spartans would hold a nine point lead late into the second quarter, but a 9-0 run by the Dutch tied the game back up at 31-31. The Spartans got a basket from Kaitlyn Powell on their final possession of the second quarter to lead by two at the half.

The third quarter was very even as both teams traded baskets and the lead as never more than four points. Leading by one into the final quarter, the Spartans gave up the first basket in the fourth quarter. That would be the only time the Spartans would trail the rest of the way, always having an answer anytime the Dutch tried to respond. The Spartans had their biggest lead of the game at 73-60 with less than a minute remaining. The Spartans finished the game 7-8 at the free throw line to seal the win. 

Isabella Tierney scored her season-high against the Dutch with 15 points and was 7-10 at the free throw line. Mia Miller and Samanatha McDonald both scored 14 points and Miller was just shy of her first double-double with nine rebounds and also added six assists. Madi Petersen also had nine rebounds after rejoining the Spartans starting lineup. 

The Spartans held the Dutch to 21.4 shooting from the three-point line and was able to force 14 Dutch turnovers. The Spartans were able to get out in transition, scoring 15 fast break points and holding the Dutch to just five points. 

The Spartans are now on a three game winning streak and move to 7-9 overall and 4-3 in conference play. 

Up Next
The Spartans will head across town for the first of two regular season games against the Loras College Duhawks (6-10, 3-4). Tip time is set for 5:30 p.m. from Lillis Court.