LISLE, Ill. - The University of Dubuque men's basketball team used a dominating first half on Saturday against Benedictine University to defeat the Eagles on their home floor 75-61 in their final game before the Christmas break.

The Spartans opened the game on a 10-0 run, holding the Eagles scoreless the first six minutes of the game. The Spartans would lead by as many as 23 in the first half, holding the Eagles to just 8-33 (24.24%) from the field and 2-15 (13.33%) from the three-point line. 

In the second half the Spartans would build their largest lead of the game to 28 points (58-30) with 10:39 left. The Eagles would go on a 19-5 run over a six minute to get back within 14 points. The Spartans would be able to keep their lead at double digits as the Spartans win their second straight and sixth non-conference game this season.

Jacob Williams and Drew Apiagyei led the way for the Spartans with 19 points each. Apiagyei came off the bench and scored a career-high, while making three of the Spartans' six three-pointers in the game. Dylan Hibicke ended his day with 10 points and eight rebounds, while Joey Coppola IV added nine points. 

Hear from Robbie Sieverding
"Our guys got off to a good start in the first half, but we needed to do a better job in the second half. Drew had a solid game off the bench for us tonight and he has really improved throughout this year. Our guys have guarded really well, but we need to rebound better as a group. We are looking forward to some Florida weather and a couple very solid opponents."

The Spartans shot 48.3%  from the field, but struggled to shoot from the perimeter at 25.0%. The Spartans' bench contributed 29 points, compared to just six points off the bench for the Eagles. 

The Spartans move to 7-2 overall this season.

Up Next
The Spartans will enjoy a small break for the Christmas holiday before heading to Daytona Beach, Florida for two games on December 28-29.