DUBUQUE, Iowa -  Four Knights scored in double-digits as Wartburg College (17-8 overall, 11-5 A-R-C) completed their regular season sweep over the University of Dubuque Spartans (13-12, 6-10) with a 71-61 victory on Saturday evening.
 
The Orange and Black were led in scoring by senior guard Jaran Sabus (Urbandale), who scored 15 points. Senior center Josh Gehling (Dyersville) added in 14 points on seven of eight shooting (87.5% FG), while senior guard Cam Kickbush (Reinbeck) and sophomore guard Max Smith Drahos (Cedar Rapids) each scored 13 points. Sabus led the team in rebounding with eight, followed by five from Kickbush. Smith Drahos recorded a game-high four steals, moving him into third all-time in an individual season in program history.
 
Wartburg quickly trailed 5-0 after the Spartans first two offensive possessions resulted in a layup and a three-pointer. Trailing for the next nine minutes, the Knights were able to close the gap and tie the game at 18-18 after freshman forward Aidan Weber (Phoenix, Ariz.) connected on the back-end of two free throw attempts with 10:15 remaining in the first. The Spartans managed to regain their lead and hold a one-point advantage (38-37) heading into the half.  
 
The Knights quickly responded in the second half, as they went on a 9-0 to take a 46-38 lead on a run that was capped off by a Sabus layup with 16:15 to play. Dubuque trimmed the lead to three points moments later, but Wartburg responded with two layups by Smith Drahos and junior guard Tyler Zumbach (Anamosa), coupled with a three-pointer from freshman guard Spencer Touro (Newhall) to take their first double-digit lead of the contest, 53-43. The Knights maintained their lead throughout the rest of the game, as they closed out the game with free throws from Kickbush to win 71-61.
 
While the Knights out-shot the Spartans from the field (46.4% - 33.3%), Dubuque held the advantage in three-point shooting (23.7% - 17.6%) and free throw shooting (85.7% - 80%). The Spartans also held the advantage in rebounds (39-35), assists (12-7) and blocks (5-1).  
 
The Orange and Black close out the regular season as the third seed heading into the American Rivers Conference Tournament, while the Spartans hold on to the sixth seed. The seeding sets the stage for one more game between the two programs, as they will face one another in the first round of the A-R-C tournament on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. in Waverly.