Spartan Women Punch Ticket to Jon Davison Classic Title Game
Dec 29, 2015
BOX SCORE
DUBUQUE, Iowa - Despite finishing 0-for-4 from the field in the overtime period, the University of Dubuque women's basketball team canned 7 of 8 free throws to hold off Defiance, 70-68, to advance to the Jon Davison Classic title game.
Junior forward Emily Brinker dropped a game-high 19 points and 12 rebounds as the Spartans (4-6) ended a two-game skid with a victory over UD alumna, Head Coach Jessica (Cox) Morris, and Defiance (1-8). The Spartan defense held its own in limiting the Yellow Jackets to a 1-for-6 performance from the field in the extra period.
UD staved off a potential game-winner after Defiance (Ohio) missed on a corner three as time expired. UD fell ice cold in the overtime period, but came through at the charity stripe, including three straight makes by Brinker to seal the deal. Brinker finished 9-for-11 at the free throw line.
Guard Abbey Meyer was the Spartans other double-digit scorer as she tallied 13 points, five boards, and three steals.
Defiance kept the game close from the outset despite being held to less than 32 percent shooting in each half and 30.4 percent on the game. Towering center, Kelsey Tietje, surpassed her season average with 18 points, 16 boards, and six blocks, but shot just 4 of 18 from the field.
Defiance's Morris C'05 is a former Second Team All-IIAC selection and holds UD records for three-pointers made, three-pointers attempted, and three-point percentage.
The Spartans won the first overall meeting between these two teams.
UD will face earlier semifinal winner Grinnell in the Jon Davison Classic Championship game tomorrow, Wednesday, December 30 at 5:00 p.m. Grinnell (5-4) defeated Augustana (Ill.) (5-5), 85-80, in the opening game of the Classic.
Grinnell vs. Augustana (Ill.) Recap
DUBUQUE, Iowa - Grinnell survived a back-and-forth battle down the stretch to defeat Augustana (Ill.), 85-80, in overtime, in the first semifinal matchup of the Jon Davison Classic.
The Pioneers (5-4), led by an 18-point, 12-rebound performance from Alex Neckopulos, were a perfect 3 of 3 in overtime as they hung on against the Vikings (5-5). Free throw struggles plagued Grinnell (5-4) throughout the game after finishing 6-for-15 in overtime and 18 of 37 (48.6%) overall. No matter, they held Augustana to a 3-for-11 performance in the extra period, including 0 of 5 from beyond the arc.
Grinnell was red hot out of the gate (55.6% shooting in first half), but didn't claim their first lead until three minutes to go in the first half due to turnover troubles. The Pioneers erased a six-point first quarter deficit to tie it up at halftime, 39-39.
Augustana's attack featured four double-digit scorers led by Olivia Mayer's 20 points on 6 of 13 shooting. The Vikings shot 4 of 21 (19.0%) from the three-point line on the game.
Remaining women's Jon Davison Classic Schedule
Wednesday, December 30
Consolation
Augustana (Ill.) (5-5) vs. Defiance (1-8) - 1:00 p.m.
Championship
Grinnell (5-4) vs. UD (4-6) - 5:00 p.m.
*Times are subject to change
