DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque men's basketball team suffered their first loss of the season on Saturday by a 66-76 score to the Loras College Duhawks. The Spartans trailed by three points in the opening half 34-37 and finished with 4-5 starters in double figures, but that wasn't enough to capture their 17th win of the season.

Gage Heffernan led the scoring for the Spartans with 21 points and six rebounds. Chris Frazier connected with four treys to end the night with 14 points. Andre Norris added 11 points and a team high 10 rebounds. Mitch Michaelis had 10 points and five rebounds. 

The Spartans left the Duhawks Aaron Schueller open and he finished with a game high 25 points on 8-10 shooting from the field, 3-4 from three point area, and including a perfect 6-6 at the free throw line. The Duhawks out rebounded the Spartans 43-36.

UD was called for an early technical foul and the Spartans bench collected another late in the game during a timeout. UD earned a third miscue when they were called for a flagrant foul in the waining minutes of their first loss.

The Spartans 16-1, 5-1 in IIAC will host the Simpson College Storm 3-14 overall, 1-5 in IIAC on Wednesday, January 29. The basketball game will be televised live on ABC affilliate KCRG 9.2 in the tri-state area.