Spartan Men Knock-Off Former NIIC Foe

AURORA, Ill. December 19, 2007 - The Aurora University men’s basketball team defeated the visiting Crusaders of Clarke College 77-61 on Wednesday evening inside Thornton Gymnasium. The win pushes Aurora’s record to 8-2 overall, while Clarke, a former Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference rival, falls to 4-7.

The first half witnessed Aurora get-off to a hot start before Clarke was able to slow the Spartan scoring outburst. The Crusaders managed to cut the lead to three at one point before Aurora extended it to 35-27 heading into intermission. The Spartans were paced at halftime by senior forward Larry Welton, who had 12 first half points.

The second half was full of more competitive play, as both teams picked up their offensive performances.

Aurora was led by its senior talent, as three Spartans finished with double-digit scoring on the night. Welton continued his first half ways and paced the Spartans with a game-high 25 points. He also picked up five rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots.

Senior forward Doug Lambert had a stellar night, finishing with 21 points. Lambert’s night was highlighted by a five-of-eight shooting performance from three-point range.

A final senior standing-out on the night for AU was forward Mike Leonard. Leonard, returned to the Spartan lineup and finished the night with 14 points and eight rebounds.

The Crusaders were led by senior guard DeMonte Bynum, who finished the game with 16 points, three assists and five rebounds. Two other Crusaders pitched-in double-digit scoring, with John Heavens and Josh Bellaire contributing 11 and 14 points, respectively.

The Spartan men return to action on December 28th, as they travel to Indiana to participate in the Franklin College Tournament.