ROCKFORD, Ill.- The Rockford University women's basketball team returned to action today to take on Aurora University in a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference matchup. The Regents were looking to avenge their loss from earlier in the week and close the game strong against the Spartans. Unfortunately, Rockford was unable to close the game out strong falling to Aurora by the final of 70-64. The Regents' poor free throw shooting led to their demise, shooting 23-of-37 for a 62% clip.
The first quarter began with Aurora jumping out to a quick lead, 8-4. The Spartans would not allow the Regents to come back and take the lead, as they led 19-16 after the first period. Going into the second quarter, Aurora took their largest lead of the game, 24-16, with just under eight minutes remaining. Rockford began to methodically claw away at the lead and go into the half down by one point, 33-32. The Regents were unable to connect on many of their shots as they finished at 37% for the half. Rockford was also 12-of-19 from the free throw line, good for 63.2%. Tajanae Key (Glendale Heights, Ill.) led the Regents in scoring with 9 points.
In the third quarter, Rockford went on a 12-0 run to give them the lead 44-33 with just under four minutes remaining. The Spartans then narrowed the margin to five points, 49-44, by the end of the quarter. Aurora came out in the fourth quarter and outscored Rockford 26-15 to earn the victory. The Regents fell by the final of 70-64. Overall, Rockford could not buy a basket as they closed the game shooting 30.8% from the field.
Leading the Regents offensively was Casey Pettit (Rockford, Ill.) scoring 22 points with 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Pettit was outstanding from the free throw line as she converted on 13-of-14 attempts. Tajanae Key posted 13 points with 9 rebounds and 2 steals. Nicole Silvers (Byron, Ill.) rounded out the Regents in double-figures scoring 11 points with 4 rebounds. Mallorie Getzelman (Byron, Ill.) grabbed 13 rebounds.
The Rockford University women's basketball team will return to action Monday, December 19 to take on Dominican University in Schaumburg, Ill. with a scheduled start time of 5 p.m.
