Spartans Defeat Regents in Men's Action

AURORA, Ill. January 24, 2009 - The Aurora University men’s basketball team defeated the Rockford College Regents 72-68 Saturday afternoon at Thornton Gymnasium in an exciting Northern Athletics Conference matchup.

The first half featured a number of lead changes. The Spartans built an early 11-6 lead four minutes into the first half, as junior guard Dusty Magee nailed two 3-pointers to give the Spartans the early advantage. The Regents, however, were not fazed as they methodically worked their way back into the game and took the lead, making the score 16-15 with twelve minutes remaining. AU would retake the lead minutes later, as they went on a 10-3 run to make the score 25-18 with 9:07 left. In keeping with the theme of the first half, Rockford would fight back, as they would take the lead, making the score 33-31 with five minutes left. Again, the determined Spartans would regain the lead, as they went on a 13-4 run to close out the half. At the break, the Spartans led 44-37.

The Spartans came out of halftime and quickly extended their lead to 51-41 thanks to the shooting of Magee. Yet, the determined Regents would cut the lead to 57-56 at he midway point of the half. Late in the game, the Regents were able to tie the score at 68-68 with 1:06 remaining. Following a Regent foul with 25 seconds remaining, sophomore Skyler Ormsbee sank two clutch free throws to put the Spartans up 70-68. Junior Shane Roland would end any hope of a Regent comeback with two free throws, making the final score 72-68 Spartans.

Top Spartan performers included Magee (29 points/6 of 16 3-point) and Roland (15 points).

With the win, the Spartans improve to 9-9 (7-3 NAC) while the Regents fall to 10-8 (5-5 NAC).

Next action for the Spartans comes on Wednesday, January 28, when they travel to Milwaukee to face the Wisconsin Lutheran Warriors. Game time is set for 7:00pm.