Spartans Lose Heartbreaker at Home

AURORA, Ill. November 21, 2005 - The No. 22 ranked Spartans of Aurora University suffered their first loss of the season, dropping a heartbreaker 68-64 to the upset minded Dominican University Stars. The loss is only AU's sixth at home since the 2000-2001 season, in that time the Spartans are 54-6 in Thornton Gymasium.

Star forward Derek Pedersen provided the big blow with 35 seconds to play in the game, knocking down a three-point play to take a 66-64 lead on a drive and foul by AU's Larry Welton. Pedersen would knock down two free-throws with seven seconds left to seal the upset for the Stars.

After a sloppy first half in which the two teams shot a combined 33% from the field (21-63) with AU shooting just 27.8%in the first half. The two teams battled throughout the second half with Aurora taking a six-point lead with three minutes remaining in the contest, 63-57, only to see the Stars go on a 11-1 run to close out the contest.

Dominican shot 46.2% from the field for the game with Aurora shooting 32.3%. Aurora outrebounded Dominican 44 to 33. AU was led by Larry Welton, he had a game high 17 points and nine rebounds; Jeremy Cartwright had a double double with 14 points and 11 rebounds; Tony Carson had 13 points and Dusty Magee had 11 points on three of three shooting from three-point range. The loss drops the Spartans to 2-1 on the season