DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's basketball team got down early tonight against the Wartburg College Knights. Despite a strong comeback attempt, the Spartans fell to the Knights 61-49 inside the Stoltz Sports Center. 

The Spartans found themselves down 27-15 through the first quarter and a half, but the Spartans' defense held the Knights to zero points over the final 4:55 of the second quarter. The Spartans used a 7-0 run over that time frame to get back within five, highlighted by a Grace Brumley three-pointer to end the half. 

The Spartans continued to trim away, pulling to within 31-30 at the 5:38 mark of the third quarter, but trailed by five heading to the fourth quarter. Christina Simonetti got a bucket plus the foul on the opening possession of the fourth to pull within two at 41-39. The Knights built their lead back to double digits before the Spartans made one last run, but would not score again over the final 3:24 of the game.

Simonetti had her second consecutive double-double after a 14-point, 10 rebound outing by the senior. Brumley finished with 13 points, including making three of the Spartans' four made three-pointers. Brumley also had a season-high eight rebounds. Karsyn Pankonen had her best game of her young career, scoring 11 points on a perfect 4-4 from the floor and 2-2 at the free throw line. 

The Spartans are now 4-9 overall and 2-2 in conference play.

Up Next
The Spartans will make the long road trip to Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday to take on the Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m.