Spartans Top Falcons In NAC Challenge Game

AURORA, Ill. February 23, 2009 - The Aurora University Spartans men’s basketball team defeated the Concordia (Wis.) University Falcons 84-73 Saturday afternoon in the Northern Athletics Conference Challenge game at Thornton Gymnasium.

The Spartans found themselves trailing early, as the Falcons jumped out to an early 11-5 lead four minutes into the game. At the midway point of the first half, however, the Spartans took the lead, making the score 20-19.

The Spartans would extend their lead seconds later, as senior forward Chad Trudo hit two three pointers in a span of 40 seconds, to make the score 29-22 Spartans.

Following a Falcon timeout, junior guard Dusty Magee continued the offensive surge, as he hit consecutive three pointers, and, in a blink of an eye, the Spartans led 40-24, thanks to a 20-5 run.

In the final minutes of the half, the Falcons put together a run of their own, as they closed the half on a 12-3 run, making the score at halftime 43-36.

The Spartans came out of halftime and promptly extended their lead to 58-42 behind the stellar play of Trudo and junior forward Shane Roland.

At the midway point, the Spartans added to their lead, making the score 70-53. From that point, the Falcons would never mount a serious threat, and the Spartans cruised to the victory, winning 84-73.

Top Spartan performers included Trudo (26 points), Roland (15 points), sophomore center Skyler Ormsbee (12 points) and Magee (10 points). AU improves their record to 13-12 on the season and will be the No. 5 seed in the Northern Athletics Conference Men's Tournament.

Next action for the Spartans comes on Wednesday, February 25, when they travel to Milwaukee School of Engineering in the opening round of the Northern Athletics Conference Tournament. The game will be played at 7:00pm. in Milwaukee, WI.