Spartans Win 10th Straight 94-76

AURORA, Ill. January 24, 2007 - The Aurora University men’s basketball team picked up their 10th straight victory on Wednesday night, defeating visiting Lakeland College 94-76. The win moves AU’s overall record to 16-1 and 9-1 in the NAC, while Lakeland drops to 8-8 overall and 6-4 in the NAC.

The visiting Muskies kept the game close throughout the first half, but Aurora was eventually able to pull away in the second half behind a strong performance off the bench from sophomore guard Dusty Magee.

Magee shot five-of-seven from beyond the three-point arc and was also a perfect eight-of-eight on free throws, which all together accounted for his 23 points.

Lakeland cut a nine point Aurora lead to three (34-31) with 6:00 remaining in the first half, only to see the Spartans finish on a 13-4 run and lead at intermission 47-35.

AU built a lead in the second half that got as big as 22 points and the Spartans never looked back.

Tied with Magee for the team lead in points was junior forward Larry Welton, who had 16 rebounds to go along with his 9-of-20 shooting on the night. Welton had 15 of his 23 in the second half.

AU guard Darrick Leonard put together another strong game, highlighted by his 21 points and eight assists. And forward Mike Leonard continued his strong offensive play by adding 10 points.

All together on the night, Aurora had five players in double figures.

Lakeland was led Matt Rogers' game high 27 points, Kris Saiberlich had 20 points and Shane Grube had 15 off the bench.