Feb. 3, 2021 - The Loras College men's basketball team (3-2, 1-1 A-R-C) took a short trip down the road to take on American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) foe the University of Dubuque 7-0, 3-0 A-R-C) at the Stoltz Sports Center on Wednesday night, falling to the Spartans 99-91. 

The Duhawks got on the scoreboard first after winning the tip-off and scoring on a layup by Griffen Clark. A back-and-forth battle followed with Loras leading 13-8 four minutes into the first half. Dubuque's Patrick Mayfield cut the lead down to three on a two-point jumper minutes later, but Cole Navigato immediately answered to take a five point lead once again. Avery Butler put another two points on the board to bring the Spartans within three but the Duhawks pulled away with the lead thanks to a Declan Ciurlik three-pointer on a fast break, assisted by Myles Barry. 

At the 8:49 mark in the half, Navigato extended the lead further to put the Duhawks up by nine. The Duhawks kept the lead late into the first half until the Spartans clawed their way back, taking a two point lead, their largest of the half, with 0:44 remaining on the clock. Again Navigato quickly responded with a layup to tie the game at 41-41 going into the locker room. 

The Spartans took the lead early in the second half with Levi Schueuerman scoring on a fast break layup but Navigato drew a foul on the next play, making both free throws to tie the game at 43-43. Dubuque took the lead again at the 18:19 mark of the half on a three-pointer and despite making a valiant late-game push, the Duhawks were unable to overthrow the Spartans, moving to 1-1 in A-R-C action. 

Navigato led the charge for the Duhawks, leading the team with 22 points and eight rebounds. Rowan McGowen continued his chase for the program's three point record putting up three against the Spartans and positioning himself within ten three-pointers from breaking the record. Ciurlik had a record night for Loras, shooting 4-5 from the field, amassing 12 points and four assists. 

The Duhawks return to action on Saturday, Feb. 6 as they host Nebraska Wesleyan University in an A-R-C matchup. The game is set to tip off at Lillis Court at 11:00 A.M.