Brinker Leads Spartans Past Norse
Jan 23, 2017
DUBUQUE, Iowa- The University of Dubuque’s, Emily Brinker, blocked a Luther layup attempt at the buzzer and helped give the Spartans a 81-80 thrilling victory over Luther College.
Coming off of a quick turnaround after Saturday afternoon’s game, the Spartans came out with a lot of energy. In a game that featured 11 lead changes and 10 ties, neither team was able to build a big lead. Despite the high scoring game, it was defense down the stretch that helped lead the Spartans to victory.
Luther had the ball with the shot clock turned off and playing for the final shot but Ali Roach forced a Norse turnover with six seconds left and was fouled. Roach would make one of two from the free throw line to give the Spartans an 81-80 lead with six seconds remaining. As Luther drove the length of the court and attempted a layup, Emily Brinker came up with a block at the buzzer to help seal the win. Defensively, UD forced Luther into 22 turnovers, eight of which were steals, leading to 19 points off turnovers. Madison Boer grabbed three of the eight steals, while Kia Dwight and Emily Brinker both had two.
The Spartans four players reach double figures, led by Emily Brinker who had a season high 30 points on 11-20 shooting from the field and making all seven free throw attempts. The Spartans got big help scoring off the bench from Allie Biermeier and Allie Roach, who had 11 and 10 points, respectively. The Spartans bench outscored Luther’s, 24-17. Abbey Meyer was the only other Spartan besides Brinker in double figures with 10, while also dishing out four assists.
The game featured a combined 63 free throw attempts between the Spartans and Norse. UD was able to get to the line 34 of those times, converting on 26 of those but going 14-17 in the second half.
The Spartans have another quick turnaround as they face Central College at home on Wednesday night at 6:00 p.m.
