Spartans Suffer Hard Fought Road Loss to NWU
Jan 14, 2017
LINCOLN, Neb. - The University of Dubuque Women’s basketball team dropped their IIAC contest on Saturday afternoon to Nebraska Wesleyan, 66-76.
The Spartans (6-10, 2-5 IIAC) were quick to grab to the lead over the Prairie Wolves, leading for all but 30 seconds in the first half. The Spartans shot 12-28 (42%) in the first half, while making 10-12 free throws. Meanwhile, they held NWU to 11-33 (33%) in the first half and only allowed them to get to the free throw line four times. UD forced 11 turnovers in the first half as well to help give them a 36-26 lead at halftime.
The Spartans did not cool down that much in the second half, as they still managed to shoot 10-26 for 38%, while also hitting six three pointers.. However a big difference in the second half came at the free throw line as the Prairie Wolves got to the charity stripe 20 times, making seven of them, while the Spartans only got made four of seven. The Spartans were also forced into 28 turnovers for the game, 17 of which came in the second half.
UD had the lead for 29:14; with the largest leading being 13 points early in the third quarter after an Emily Brinker three pointer. NWU cut the lead quickly after that with a 9-0 run and continued to be a back and fourth game until NWU took the lead for good with 7:11 remaining in the game. The Spartans had 11 different players get into the scoring column on the afternoon, with 30 points coming off of the bench compared to just 15 points from the NWU bench. UD also managed the game on the glass as they out rebounded the Prairie Wolves 43-35.
Emily Brinker led the Spartans in points, rebounds and assists as she had 15 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Ali Roach led the Spartans at halftime with eight points and finished second on the team with 10. UD also had good scoring contributions from Lexi Daniels with nine points and Abbey Meyer with eight.
The Spartans have a quick turnaround, as they take on Luther College at home on Monday night at 6:00 p.m.
