Spartans Hold Court Against Crusaders
Dec 4, 2014
DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque men's basketball team trailed after one half on Thursday night by a 39-41 margin, but would out score the visiting Clarke University Crusaders 56-44 in the final 20 minutes of action to capture the tilt 95-85. UD remains unbeaten at 7-0 overall.
The Spartans were led in scoring by Andre Norris who finished with 27 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks. Norris has led the Spartans in scoring in four out of seven games and led in rebounding in five out of seven games in 2014. Last week's Iowa Conference Male Athlete of the Week, Gage Heffernan, was a perfect 10-10 at the free throw line to end with 15 points. Brandon Ferguson would add 10 points in just 14 minutes of play. Clarke's David Neis would lead all scorers after sinking 13-20 shots from the field and 9-11 free throws to finish with 40 points in a Crusader loss.
“It was great to be back home and play in front of our home crowd, but we will continue to improve in several areas as we move forward. Andre Norris and Gage Heffernan both played very well and we had some guys off the bench step in and play effectively", said Head Coach Robbie Sieverding on his team's performance.
The multi-faceted Spartan attack is led by four Spartans who are averaging at least 10.0 ppg this season. Norris leads with 17.6 ppg, Heffernan not far behind is averaging 15.1 ppg, Ferguson 12.3 ppg, and Jacob Mohlis 11.0 ppg. Norris is the lone Spartan to be averaging a double-double in rebounds and points (10.1 rpg/17.6 ppg). UD averages 76 points a game and have held their opponents to 62.7 points a contest. The Spartans rally in the second half to out score their opposition 277-219 in the final twenty minutes of play.
“Overall it wasn’t one of our better defensive performances but give Clarke credit as they made some tough shots and took advantage of some of our breakdowns. It was great to come away with a win and we look forward to improving in the next few weeks before Christmas," added Coach Sieverding.
The Spartans don't return home until January 7, 2015 to begin Iowa Conference play against the Central College Dutch at 8:00 p.m. UD will travel to Mankato, Minn on Dec. 9 when they face Bethany Lutheran College at 7:00 p.m.
