DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's basketball team fell 71-68 to the Buena Vista University Beavers on Saturday afternoon in the National Girls and Women in Sports Day game. 

After a slow start in the first quarter with the Spartans trailing 23-11, the Spartans outscored the Beavers in the second and third quarters to be all squared up at 48-48 all heading into the final 10 minutes. The Beavers hit a few big shots in the opening stages of the fourth quarter and the Spartans tried one last effort to take the lead, but would be held just short in a one possession loss to the Beavers. 

Morgan Hawkins led the Spartans with yet another double-double finishing with 15 points and 12 rebounds, including seven offensive rebounds. Samantha McDonald scored 14 points and had three steals. 

The Spartans won the points in the paint battle 44-15 and had 16 more bench points than the Beavers, but the Beavers were able to hit three more from the perimeter and made some tough long two-point field goals. 

The Spartans fall to 9-12 overall and 6-6 in conference play.

Up Next
A big test for the Spartans awaits on Wednesday night at home when the Spartans face No. 10/13 Wartburg College at 5:30 p.m.