DUBUQUE, Iowa – Made shots were at a premium for the University of Dubuque women's basketball team after they shot just 31% in their loss to North Park, 76-65.

An attacking Emily Brinker came up big down the stretch for the Spartans (4-2), but it wasn't enough to overcome North Park's healthy double-digit lead throughout most of the second half. 

UD sliced the Viking lead to seven with 5:37 remaining in the game after three straight baskets. After a pair of Viking free throws, Brinker countered with two free throw makes of her own and a traditional three-point play. A pair of turnovers and missed shots put a halt to their comeback attempt as North Park closed it out.

North Park (4-1) was content with trading baskets after taking control of the game midway through the first half, en route to a 37-27 halftime lead. The Spartans were held in check after going 8-for-29 on field goals, including 1-for-11 from beyond the arc. 

The Spartans couldn't find the bottom of the net after finishing the game 20 of 64 from the field and 3 of 18 from three-point land. 

Brinker scored a game-high 19 points, including 8 of 9 from the free throw line. Daneshia Snitker, Kayla Springer, and Jessica Goetz each finished with 11 points. 

The Spartans face No. 9 Wheaton (Ill.) (6-0) on the road next Saturday, December 12 at 5:00 p.m.