Box Score The Buena Vista men's basketball team will look to build off Wednesday's 69-60 hard-fought victory over the Coe College Kohawks as they face the Spartans from the University of Dubuque (12-2, 2-1 IIAC) in another clash between teams tied atop the conference standings. Tip-off is set for 4 pm inside of Siebens Fieldhouse in Storm Lake.
Buena Vista (9-5, 2-1 IIAC) shot nearly 44 percent in the game and out-rebounded the Kohawks, 43-37, in the contest. Junior Nick Clark had a game-high 24 points, including four three pointers, to help lead BVU, while also recording five assists. Senior Alex Savage (12 points, 6 assists) and sophomore Kennedy Drey (11 points, 15 rebounds) were also in double figures for the Beavers. Drey's double-double was his fourth in five games.
The Spartans are also coming off a thrilling 68-65 victory over Luther College. Junior Andre Norris (31 points, 11 rebounds) had game-highs in points and rebounds while seniors Gage Heffernan (14 points) and Lucas Ware (11 points, 4 steals) were the only other double digit scorers.
The Beavers were able to hold sharp-shooting Coe to 36.2 percent from the floor, 35 percent from the arc, and a season low point total in Wednesday's win. They also benefitted from 11 turnovers and 50 percent shooting from the free throw line.
The University of Dubuque was held to 37 percent shooting in their game Wednesday, while they surrendered over 47 percent shooting to Luther. Although, the Spartans were able to take advantage of 17 turnovers and outscored Luther in the second half, 35-21.
The matchup also brings together two of the top forwards in the league in Kennedy Drey (13.2ppg, 8.9rpg) and Andre Norris (20.3 ppg, 9.9rpg). Drey ranks 15th in scoring and is in the top-five in rebounding and field goal percentage while Norris is the leading scorer in the conference and is third in rebounding. It's also a match-up of the top-two teams in the preseason-coaches poll.
Since head coach Brian Van Haaften took the job in 1996, Buena Vista is 30-6 against the University of Dubuque. In the last meeting between the teams, the Beavers claimed a 77-75 victory over the Spartans at Siebens Fieldhouse. It was the Beavers' first win in their previous four tries against the Spartans.
