Schmidt’s Clutch Free Throws and Robinson’s Breakout Speed Garner IIAC Awards
Jan 27, 2015
DUBUQUE, Iowa – Senior Meggie Schmidt converted eight free throws combined down the stretch in pair of close wins last week for the University of Dubuque women’s basketball team while freshman Deshond Robinson won his first career 400 meters (51.22) at the Monmouth Invite as both earned Iowa Conference Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) Female Athlete of the Week and Male Track Performer of the Week honors, respectively.
Schmidt’s two free throws with 11 seconds to go shut the door on rival Loras in 57-54 win last Wednesday. Loras’ two-point jumper with a second to go fell flat as Schmidt and the Spartans earned the first back-to-back wins in the series – for either side – in the last 11 meetings. The Edgerton, Wis. native finished 4-for-4 at the charity stripe and scored a game-high 17 points, added five rebounds, and swiped three steals.
Schmidt’s six free throw makes in the final 1:25 sealed the deal against Simpson, 78-72, on Saturday. It was a standout performance in all facets of the game after Schmidt totaled 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals to help snap the Spartans three-game skid against Simpson and snag their second win in five years.
The 2012-13 All-IIAC Honorable Mention selection averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.5 steals over the two games and sits second in the IIAC with 3.17 spg. Schmidt’s first career IIAC Athlete of the Week award coincided with her entry into the top-20 list of all-time UD scorers. The versatile guard sits 20th overall with 742 career points and also sits sixth all-time in career steals (160).
The former three-sport UD varsity athlete majors in criminal justice.
The Spartans face a pair of tough road tests against Coe on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. and at rival Loras on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
Robinson dashed his way to his second career win with an impressive performance in the 400 meters (51.22) at the Monmouth Invite. The winning effort was part of four individual wins for the Spartans in a meet devoid of team scoring. Robinson was also out-leaned in the 60 meters after posting a 7.07, a mere 0.02 seconds away from the win.
Only a freshman, Robinson’s 400 mark was fifth-best all-time in UD history and added to his school record 300 meters (35.88) set in December at UD’s inaugural Spartan-Duhawk Dual Meet where he was also named Outstanding Male Track Performer.
The former two-time Iowa state champion in the 400 meters at nearby Clinton high school sports the second-fastest 400 meters in the IIAC to date.
The Clinton, Iowa native majors in sports marketing & management.
Robinson and Co. take their talents to the Cornell Hilltop Invite this Saturday at 11 a.m.
Note
The IIAC Athlete of the Week award honors the top overall male and female athlete in the IIAC, while the IIAC Performer of the Week honors the top male and female athlete in their respective sport.
