Norris Leads Spartans in Colorado College Tourney
Nov 28, 2014
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The University of Dubuque men's basketball are spending the Thanksgiving Holiday the same way they have spent the past two weekends, on the road playing in a basketball tournament. This weekend the Spartans opened the Colorado College Tournament with a 83-60 victory over Willamette University (Ore.) in the opening game. The victory matches up the Spartans with the hosts, the Colorado College Tigers, at 7:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) in the Championship game. The Tigers were victorious over the University of Northwstern 70-61 on Friday night.
Four Spartans finished the contest with double digits in scoring and were led by Andre Norris who finished with 20 points and nine rebounds. Jacob Mohlis and Brandon Ferguson each added 16 points as teammate Lucas Ware came off the bench to add 10 points and three steals. Gage Heffernan just missed a double-double after collecting 12 rebounds and nine points.
UD scored quickly and led after the first half 49-31 after sinking 14-28 shot attempts and making 18-21 (85.7%) free throw attempts. The Spartans never trailed in the win after scoring 32 points in the paint, 25 points off turnovers, and 22 points from the bench. UD sank 31-34 attempts at the free throw line (91.2%) and made just six three point attempts. Mohlis was 3-5 and Norris 2-2 from beyond the three point arc.
The Spartan defense held Willamette to 34.4% shooting from the field and 5% from the three point area (1-20) after forcing them into 20 turnovers. UD held a slim lead in rebounding 40-39 as they improved to 5-0 overall this season.
