AURORA, Ill. - The 2026-27 University of Dubuque men's basketball season got underway on Friday night at the Mickey Johnson Tip-Off Classic on the campus of Aurora University. The Spartans fell behind by double digits to Millikin University in the first half, but couldn't climb back as the Spartans lost their season opener 81-71.
Through the first few minutes of the game, it was a back-and-forth battle with the Spartans trailing by a point (9-8), but Millikin would go on a 22-6 run as the Spartans were held without a field goal for over half of the first half (10:28) and fell behind 31-14. The Spartans would end up trailing by 15 points at the half.
The Spartans outscored Millikin by six points in the second half and were able to shoot much better in the second half (54.55%), and outscored Millikin by eight points in the final four minutes. Ultimately, the Spartans were unable to dig themselves out of the double-digit hole.
Josh Senica led the Spartans with 19 points on an efficient 9-12 from the field.
Grady Thompson had 17 points and tied a team-high with four steals.
Spencer Roeder put up his first career double-digit scoring outing with 13 points on 6-11 shooting to go along with a team-high seven rebounds.
Ethan Henderson was the fourth Spartan in double figures with 10 points.
Joey Coppola IV had eight points and tied a team-high four steals.
Up Next
The Spartans will play game two of the Mickey Johnson Tip-Off Classic tomorrow afternoon against Adrian College. Tip-off from Thornton Gymnasium is set for 12:00 p.m.
