ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - The University of Dubuque men's basketball team moved to 4-0 on the season Saturday night after a massive 88-82 road win at Augustana College (IL). Five Spartans scored in double-figures as the Spartans defeat Augie for the first time since 2022. 

The Spartans were dialed in early on the offensive end of the floor, making their first five shots of the game. Grady Thompson made a pair of three-pointers and Dylan Hibicke's first three-pointer of the night gave the Spartans a 14-4 lead just four minutes in. The Spartans never trailed in the first half, but Augie was able to tie the game on two separate occasions in the first half. The Spartans were able to hold a 45-43 advantage at the half. The Spartans shot 14-26 (53.85%) from the floor in the first half with half of those made field goals coming from beyond the arc.

The Spartans continued to lead in the early stages of the second half, but Augie grabbed their first lead of the night with 13:08 left in the game. The Spartans were able to respond numerous times to Augie baskets in the second half as Ethan Henderson tied the game back up at 59-all with a three-pointer and then Thompson added a three of his own after an Augie basket to put the Spartans back up by one 62-61. 

With the score back even at 64-all with under 10 minutes remaining, Augie would hit another three, but Joey Coppola IV was able to tie the game right back up. The Spartans trailed 76-74 with 3:26 left, but yet again Coppola IV would connect from beyond the arc to give the Spartans a 77-76 lead.

Augie went back up by three with 2:33 left, but Coppola IV came up clutch again, hitting his fourth three-pointer of the game to retake the lead for good. Augie would only score two points in the final two minutes and the Spartans were able to make their final six free throws to seal their fourth win of the season.

Hear from Robbie Sieverding
"Our guys played tough and were a focused group tonight. Joey hit some big shots and we did a great job knocking down some free throws to close out the game. Five guys in double digits and our guys executed on both ends down the stretch."

Four of the five Spartans' starters finished in double-figures led by Thompson with 24 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. He also made 8-10 at the free throw line and made four three-pointers. Jacob Williams finished his night with 19 points and six rebounds. Coppola IV scored a career-high 17 points with four made three-pointers in 27 minutes off the bench. Hibicke and Henderson finished with 11 points each. Hibicke made all three of his three-pointers in the first half. 

The Spartans improve to 4-0 overall.

Up Next
The Spartans will play again on Tuesday, November 25 at home against Monmouth College before heading into the holiday break. The Spartans will tipoff from Stoltz Sports Center at 7:00 p.m.