STORM LAKE, Iowa (Feb. 1, 2023) - The University of Dubuque broke open a two-point halftime lead by outscoring the Buena Vista women's basketball team 27-15 in the third quarter, and that helped lead the Spartans to a 72-58 victory over BVU inside of Siebens Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.

The Spartans led 21-15 after one quarter before BVU cut into that lead by holding Dubuque to only eight points in the second and get within 29-27 heading to the break. The Spartans made 11 field goals in the third quarter while BVU had just seven, despite shooting 43 percent for the quarter, and pushed in front 56-42. Both teams then chalked up 16 points over the final frame.

Sophomore McKenna Cone led Buena Vista with 15 points, on 6-of-15 shooting, while picking up the team's only two steals. Senior Vanessa Hamlett was right behind with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists. Lindsey Anhalt made all five free-throw attempts and just missed out on double digits with nine points.

BVU finished the game shooting 40 percent from the field and made 13-of-15 at the foul line, but was held to only 3-of-16 from long range. The Spartans were 39 percent from the field, but struggled from behind the arc (5-of-24) and at the free-throw line (13-of-22).

Isabella Tierney led all scorers with 18 points for Dubuque (13-8, 7-5 A-R-C) while Morgan Hawkins followed with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

Buena Vista is now 6-14 on the year (1-11 A-R-C) and will host Coe College on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. for Alumni Day.