ROCKFORD, Ill.- The Rockford University men's basketball team returned to action Tuesday in a matchup for second place in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference against Aurora University. Rockford and Aurora were locked in a tight game throughout, but the Regents could not make stops down the stretch, falling 102-98.

The game began with each team trading baskets until the Spartans went on an 11-2 run with 13 minutes remaining in the half to take an eight-point lead. Rockford answered right back with their own 15-3 run to take a four-point lead with less than 7 minutes remaining. After Aurora got back within one-point Rockford went on a 5-0 run to quickly take a six-point lead. Unfortunately the Regents were unable to hold the lead falling behind 47-46 at the half. Similar to the first half both teams traded blows in the second half seeing multiple ties and lead changes. Ultimately Rockford was unable to find the stops necessary down the stretch falling by a final of 102-98. Throughout the second half Brandon Tyson (Joliet, Ill.) carried the Regents totaling 15 points and 5 rebounds in the half.

The matchup proved to be a tussle of two prolific offensive teams. The Regents shot the ball 55.8% from the field for the game to the Spartans 52.1%. The game had 13 ties and 11 lead changes.

Leading Rockford offensively was John O'Bryan (Richmond, Ky.) collecting 21 points with 7 assists and 6 rebounds. Tyson had 19 points and 5 rebounds. Michael Murray (Princeton, Ill.) scored 21 points and 3 blocks. Zach Wallace (Rockford, Ill.) tallied 16 points and 9 rebounds. Ross Arteaga (Mendota, Ill.) notched a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds. Tony Diemer (Rockford, Ill.) rounded out the Regents in double-figures with 10 points and 5 assists.

The Rockford University men's basketball team returns to action Saturday, January 16 against Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wis. with a scheduled start time of 2 p.m.