MADISON- Kicking off the 2024-25 season in the confines of the Todd Wehr Edgedome, the men's basketball squad faced off with the Dubuque Spartans. In a non-conference clash, the Eagles (1-0) took home a 59-56 victory at the buzzer against the Spartans (1-1) after
Danny Mulcare sank a deep three.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first five minutes saw the Eagles carve out a 9-3 advantage as they attacked from all parts of the floor. The Spartans would take control over the next five minutes, putting together a 15-4 run that lasted 5:34.
- Edgewood College struggled to find answers as Dubuque built up their lead to 31-15 with 3:23 left in the first half, but a 10-5 stretch by the hosts sent them into the locker rooms down 34-25.
- The Eagles found their response in the second half, as
Drew Houtakker and Mulcare teamed up for nine unanswered, evening the game 34-34 at the 15:20 mark. After a 3-pointer from the Spartans at 13:51, the Edgewood College defense clamped down through the next 7:21, not allowing a single field goal in the timeframe.
- Dubuque nursed a precarious four-point lead after a three-pointer at 6:23 broke their dry spell. The Eagles stubbornly hung on, trading baskets and free throws as they looked for their chance.
- Opportunity knocked at 1:01. After a pair of free throws from
Trent Tousana, a steal from
Matt Kirk led to a layup from Tousana at :47 to even the game at 56-56. Edgewood College forced a turnover with 19 seconds left with the score still tied, which led to Kirk finding an open Mulcare deep.
- The Eagles took full advantage of the Spartan's mistakes, earning a 24-to-2 advantage in points off turnovers.
- Edgewood College was also a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line.
- Houtakker paved the way for the Eagles in the victory with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double. He was 6-of-9 from the field and 8-of-8 from the free throw line with a block and a steal.
- Mulcare finished with 11 points, four rebounds, and a block.
- Kirk played a key role in the victory with seven points, three assists, and a steal.
- Tousana excelled with eight points, two assists, and two steals.
-
Hunter Hardyman earned a pair of blocks.
- Jaylin McCants paced Dubuque with 17 points and eight rebounds.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- The victory was Edgewood College's first in a season opener since the 2020-21 season.
- The win snapped a seven-game losing streak against the Spartans.
UP NEXT
The Eagles will look to carry their momentum into a battle with the UW-Stevens Point Pointers at the Edgedome. Tip is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the Todd Wehr Edgedome.
