The Spartans took on the No. 3-ranked NIACC Trojans on their home court on Saturday, Dec. 8, but came up short in the final four minutes of the game.

Sophomores Kierra Brice and Vanessa Romo both had career highs with 14 points and 18 points respectively.

The Spartans ended the first quarter with a 10-point lead, 27-17, but some foul trouble and costly turnovers took the Spartans down by four at the half, 46-42.

A back and forth third quarter saw the lead change five times and ended with the Trojans ahead by five, 74-69.

The fourth quarter was back and forth for a bit, but some costly threes and open layups by the Trojans in the stretch built them a comfortable lead and the Spartans couldn’t recover.

Spartan Head Coach Bryan Austin said he knew what his team was up against from the beginning.

“We knew they shot the three ball well," explained Austin. "They made big shots down the stretch, when they needed it, and we didn’t.”

Austin, however, was satisfied with his team's play.

“The ladies played a good game against the No. 3-ranked team in the country in DII JUCO basketball," Austin stated. "I can’t be upset; we will work on our mistakes and keep moving forward.”