DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - Following the likeness of a heavyweight key city rivalry that lived up to the billing, the Loras men's basketball team withstood a comeback effort from its crosstown rivals on Wednesday night, defeating Dubuque, 98-91. Junior Josh Ruggles was one of five players to finish in double digits, scoring 30 points, including a perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line.

POST GAME COMMENTARY (Link)


SERIES HISTORY
- Wednesday marked the 56th win in program history over Dubuque as Loras extended its margin to 56-34 after 90 meetings

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
- After trailing for a majority of the opening 10 minutes, Loras turned the tides thanks to a 20-8 run in a five-minute window that resulted in the Duhawks taking a four-point lead at 28-24
- Dubuque's 7-0 run late in the first half pushed the Spartans back in front, but the lead lasted all of 33 seconds
- Junior Jake Toman converted an acrobatic and-1 to open the second half and give Loras a seven-point lead at 48-41 less than 13 seconds after the break
- After falling behind by six at the 11:10 mark, the Duhawks mounted their comeback thanks to a 9-0 run
- With 4:15 to play, Ruggles made both of his free-throws and helped Loras regain the lead for the final time as the Duhawks were clinical from the charity stripe down the stretch to seal the win over their crosstown rivals, sinking 16-of-17 chances

TEAM NOTABLES
- Entering Wednesday, Loras ranked No. 3 in Division III for total assists with 258 and finished with 18 to bring its season total to 276
- The Duhawks held the advantage in the paint, outscoring Dubuque, 40-24

INDIVIDUAL NOTABLES
- Ruggles brought his career scoring total to 539 points and surpassed the 250-point mark this season, finishing with 30
- With 22 points on Wednesday, junior Demond George brought his career point total to 588, which ranks second among active Loras student-athletes behind junior Ryan DiCanio's 901

FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME - JOSH RUGGLES
- Ruggles elevated his game in the second half, scoring 21 of his 30 points in the final 20 minutes … The Wheaton North prep continually drove to the basket down the stretch and finished 5-of-7 from the floor in the second half and a perfect 10-for-10 at the line

UP NEXT
Loras travels to Indianola on Saturday to face Simpson. On Wednesday, the Storm handed Luther a 83-60 setback, led by Conor Riordan's 24-point performance. Tip-off from inside Cowles Fieldhouse is scheduled for 4 p.m.