ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford College Regents fell to the Millikin University Big Blue 78-75 Saturday afternoon at the Seaver Center. Millikin jumped out to a quick 10 point lead and maintained it for most of the first half before the Regents would battle back and tie the game at 27-27 off a 3-pointer by junior forward Tory Minnifield (Blue Island, Ill./Eisenhower). However, the Big Blue recaptured their lead just moments later and went into the half with a 45-40 advantage behind nine 3-point baskets. 

The 2nd half came down to the final seconds after junior guard Scott Suchy (Genoa, Ill./Genoa-Kingston) hit a jumper from the wing with 5 seconds left to bring the Regents within three points at 75-78. A quick foul on the inbound pass sent Millikin to the free throw line to try and make it a two possession game and essentially seal the victory. However, the Big Blue missed both free throws keeping the door open for Rockford. Minnifield quickly grabbed the rebound off the miss and found Suchy open on the right wing for a chance to tie the game. However, Suchy's shot at the buzzer was just off the mark giving Millikin a three-point victory. The Regents were able to outrebound the Big Blue 43-32 but the difference in the game was Millikin connecting on 13 three pointers to only five for Rockord.

Suchy finished with a team-high 20 points with 7 rebounds while Minnifield scored 19 points and added 6 rebounds. Senior forward Grant Olsen (DeKalb, Ill./DeKalb) added 12 points and 8 rebounds. Junior forward David Dixon (Bellwood, Ill./St. Joseph) came off the bench to score 10 points and grab 7 rebounds. 

The Regents will hit the road to play St. Francis University on Monday, December 31st. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.