Spartans Get Big Performances from Leonards

AURORA, Ill. January 10, 2007 - The Aurora University mens basketball team got big performances from Mike and Darrick Leonard on Wednesday night, en route to a 90-66 victory over visiting Northern Athletics Conference foe Dominican University.

The Spartans relied heavily on the new faces, both of whom transferred to AU prior to this year, along with a familiar contribution from junior standout Larry Welton which propelled the Spartans to the NAC victory.

Junior forward Mike Leonard had his best game in an Aurora uniform as he amassed 24 points, on 12-of-18 shooting from the field and pulled down 10 rebounds. Fellow transfer, senior guard Darrick Leonard also put forth a tremendous all around game as he compiled 14 points on 6-of-16 shooting from the field, five rebounds, six assists and two steals. Welton rounded out the top performers with a double-double of his own, putting up 21 points and 11 rebounds.

AU out rebounded Dominican 44 to 33 for the game and shot 53.7% (36-of-67) from the field.

Dominican was led by Jose Garcia's 27 points and six rebounds. Mike Haiduc had 12 points for the visiting Stars.

With the win AU improves to 11-1 overall and 5-1 in the NAC while Dominican drops to 5-6 overall and 2-3 in the NAC.

Aurora returns to action on Friday, January 12th as they travel to Iowa to take on Clarke College. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.