JACKSONVILLE, Ill.- The Rockford University Regents continued its non-conference season at the Bill Merris Tournament Saturday afternoon. The Regents faced off against the 1-2 Buena Vista Beavers, who lost to Illinois Wesleyan in the opening round of the tournament. Unlike the first game of the tournament, Rockford was able to get out to an early lead after the first half but was not able to maintain its lead into second half. Despite this, there was some impressive individual performances for the Regents in the loss.

Rockford was able to maintain a 44-41 lead after the first half thanks to double-digit scoring performances by two Regents. Guard Ross Arteaga (Mendota, Ill.) scored 12 points off of 5-of-9 shooting from the floor and 2-of-4 from the three-point line. Also scoring in double-digits in the first half was junior guard John O'Bryan (Richmond, Ky.), who scored 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the floor and 3-of-4 from the free point line. 

Despite a strong overall team shooting performance, Rockford could not maintain it's three point first half lead into the second half. Buena Vista out scored Rockford by ten points in the second half for the 90-83 win. Rockford shot a season high 48% from the field and 35% from the three-point line. The Regents also shot a season high 83% from the free throw line. 

For the game, Rockford was led by O'Bryan, who had a game-high 27 points. Sophomore Zach Wallace (Rockford, Ill.) was second on the team for the game with 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the floor and 4-of-4 at the free point line. Wallace also recovered 12 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. He has scored in double-digit points every game for the first four games for the Regents. 

O'Bryan finished with a game-high 27 points. He also had three assists and a steal. Also finishing in double-digit points was Kenny Parks (Mascoutah, Ill.) with 12 points. He also had seven rebounds. Arteaga would finish with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals for an overall solid game.

Wallace was named to the all-tournament team. He averaged 17.5 points and 8 rebounds in the two games. He also made 13-of-19 shots, 9-of-10 free throws, and only turned the ball over twice.

Rockford will begin conference play next Saturday on November 29 against MSOE. The game will start at 4:15 pm.