DUBUQUE, Iowa-- Wartburg fell 67-63 in a nailbiter against Dubuque in the Iowa Conference opener.

Three Knights finished in double digits and were led by 20 points from senior Eddie Diemer. Classmate Thomas Perkins and Ryan Romine joined him with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The Spartans led 37-34 at halftime. The second half had four ties, including at 59-59 with 3:12 remaining as Diemer made both of his free throw attempts.

After a successful free throw from senior Taylor Jacobsmeier to give the Knights the 60-59 lead, Dubuque answered with a dunk to take the 61-60 lead with 2:27 to play.

The Spartans hit a three-pointer with 0:43 to go but Perkins made a trey of his own to slice the lead to one with 0:35 to play.

The Orange and Black fouled to try to get the ball back. Dubuque made two of its attempts from the charity stripe to increase its lead to three (66-63) with 0:27 left.

Perkins tried to knot the game but his three-point attempt was rebounded by the Spartans and Wartburg quickly fouled to attempt to run one more play after the free throw. Dubuque made its first free throw attempt but missed the second one which was hauled in by Jacobsmeier.

He brought it up the floor and attempted a three-pointer as time expired to seal the win for the Spartans.

The Knights continue their two-game roadswing Saturday when they travel to face Luther at 4 p.m.

Wartburg Circuit Recap