Spartans Cruise in Final Contest of 2006

AURORA, Ill. December 21, 2006 - The Aurora University men’s basketball team picked up their eighth victory on Thursday night as they defeated visiting Millikan University 90-75 in the last contest for the Spartans in 2006. The win pushes Aurora’s season record to 8-1, while Millikin falls to 5-4.

Millikin got off to a hot start, leading 6-1 two minutes into the game and 8-3 2:30 into the contest. The Spartans quickly chipped away and the Big Blue held its final lead with 11:55 to go in the first half at 18-17.

With 8:30 remaining in first half, AU led 24-23 and the Spartans would hold firm on a double digit lead most of the rest of the night and let Millikin get no closer than seven points at the beginning of the second half.

The Spartans were led by junior standout Larry Welton, who had 29 points on 12-20 shooting, which included him going 4-7 on three point attempts. Welton also chipped in seven rebounds, three assist and two steals to round out his effort.

Junior forward Mike Leonard put in a fine effort for the Spartans as well. He amassed 20 points on 9-15 shooting. Leonard also added seven rebounds to his team leading total. Dusty Magee had 12 points and five assists and Doug Lambert chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds.

Aurora was led all night by strong play from the big men. Welton and Leonard took control down low and got high percentage looks which accounted for Aurora’s 56.1 percent shooting from the field for the game.

Millikin was led by Drew Gensler's 17 points and three assists and Joscar Demby added 15 points and seven rebounds of the Millikin bench.