The Spartan women's basketball team faced the 15th-ranked North Iowa Area Community College Trojans on Saturday, Feb. 3, on their home court.

After the first period, the Spartans were ahead 18-17.

Spartan Head Coach Addae Houston was impressed with his team's initial play in the game.

"We came out with great intensity on defense that forced NIACC into some tough shots and turnovers, but we were also able to execute on offense to get quality shots," said Houston.

About midway through the second quarter, the Trojans took the lead and the Spartans went into halftime trailing 33-38.

Houston remained happy with his team's efforts.

"I was very pleased with our play despite being down five," stated Houston. "We were executing our game plan and forcing them into a two-point game on offense, since they are a good three-point shooting team."

During the second half, NIACC was able to take control of the game with the play of guards Taylor Laabs and Mikayla Homola, who combined for 14 of the team's 15 made three-pointers in the game.

The final score was 99-75.

For the Spartans, five players reached double digits in scoring. Jasmine Aviles led the team with 15 points and five rebounds. Tina Lair-Van Meter added 12 points along with eight rebounds. Vanessa Romo and Keaundra Washington each had 11 points and T'Keyah Stapleton finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.

The Spartans stay home on Wednesday, Feb 7, vs Graceland JV with a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.