Clarke College's comeback bid came up short Monday night in a 69-62 non-conference loss to the University of Dubuque at the Robert and Ruth Kehl Center. The visiting Spartans raced to an 18-2 lead in the opening seven minutes of the contest and held on for their eighth victory in 12 contests.

Clarke (2-14) managed to close the gap to 10 at halftime (29-19), but UD exended the lead to 18 when a Matt Poirer trey made it 48-30 with 9:14 to play. Clarke battled back, outscoring the Spartans 19-6 over the next five minutes to pull within five. Eli Fitzsimons three-point field goal capped of Clarke's scoring spurt that made it 54-49 with 4:13 left on the clock. UD tallied the next five points and Clarke would get no closer than six points the rest of the way.

Justin Heng lead Clarke with a game-high 21 points, while Eli Fitzsimons added 17.

Taylor Blum led UD with 16 points.

Clarke's Thomas Ammon claimed game rebounding honors with 13.

Clarke will return to action this Saturday when the Crusaders travel to Forest City, Iowa, for a Midwest Collegiate Conference matchup with Waldorf College. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.

-CRUSADERS-