LINCOLN, Neb. – University of Dubuque didn't get a lead until late in the 4^th quarter but key free throws down the stretch allowed the Spartans to take the lead and hold off Nebraska Wesleyan 73-69 in American Rivers Conference women's basketball action on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 1) at Snyder Arena.
 
Dubuque's first lead was with just under five minutes to play, but the Prairie Wolves went on a 6-0 run to take a 65-60 lead with over three minutes remaining.  The Spartans then went on a 8-0 run of their own to take a 68-65 lead in the final minute.
 
A pair free throws by McKenzie Teten cut the lead to 68-67 with 56 seconds left.  On the other end, the Spartans hit two free throws to get the Dubuque lead back to three points.  Caitlin Navratil made a shot with 26 seconds left to cut the lead down to one point.
 
NWU was forced to foul with 15 seconds left and the Spartans made 1-2 free throws to make it 71-69 with 12 seconds left.  After a timeout the Prairie Wolves set up a play but the driving layup by Drewann Edwards was blocked and the Spartans got the rebound to seal the win.
 
Neither team shot the ball well in the opening half with both teams being held under 30 percent from the field.  Finally in the 4^th quarter the Spartans got hot making 7-14 from the field and 12-16 at the free throw line which would be the difference of the game.
 
Dubuque held a 58-39 advantage in rebounding, scoring 22 second chance points.  The Spartans had four players reach double figures in scoring, led by Alli Bailey with 18.  Miah Smith finished with a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds.
 
McKenzie Teten came off the bench to lead the Prairie Wolves with 21 points, hitting two 3-pointers and 7-9 at the free throw line.
 
Caitlin Navratil scored 19 points with six rebounds for the Prairie Wolves who shot only 32.3 percent as a team for the game.