Conference Champs Stumble on the Road
Feb 17, 2016
WAVERLY, Iowa - Men's basketball wrapped up the conference title on Saturday, but the host Wartburg College Knights weren't impressed as they handed the Spartans just their third loss of the conference season 56-67.
Levick Arena didn't show much hospitality on Wednesday evening as the Spartans struggled shooting from the inside and outside. The Knights held the Spartans to a dismal 15-59 from the field (25.4%) and an artic cold 2-26 from the three point arc (7.7%). UD trailed by 12 points at halftime 27-39 after sinking only seven shots attempts in the opening 20 minutes of play. The two squads combined to end the evening, 8-48 from beyond the arc.
The lack of offense forced coach Robbie Sieverding deep into the bench where 15 Spartans saw action in the loss. Jake Weber led UD with 21 points and 16 rebounds. He sank 15-17 attempts at the free throw line. Andre Norris finished with a double-double by scoring 15 points and grabbing 12 defensive boards.
"Wartburg was the better team tonight and we just couldn’t seem to find the basketball as we struggled offensively the entire night, said Head Coach Robbie Sieverding. "Jake Weber played his best game of the year and really kept us in the game at times. His effort was great the entire night and it was good to see him knock down some free throws as well. We did a solid job of the defensive end but Wartburg deserved to win and played a more complete game."
UD (10-3 in the IIAC) will return home Saturday to host Central College on Jon Davison Court in Stoltz Sports Center on Senior Day. Central edged out Loras on Wednesday 87-81. The Dutch moved into a three-way tie for third with a conference game left of the regular season with Wartburg and Loras who all sit at 7-6 the league.
"We hope to have a great crowd as we are playing a very dangerous Central team that can put up some points in a hurry," added Coach Sieverding. "We will have to be solid once again on the defensive end of the floor and especially defending the three point line. Saturday will be a special day for our four seniors who have accomplished so much during their time here. We hope to see a great crowd here on Saturday."
