ROCKFORD, Ill.- The Rockford University men's basketball team returned to action today to take on Benedictine University in a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference matchup. The Eagles came into the game ranked #19 in the nation and in first-place in the NACC standings. The Regents were a game and a half outside of the top six to make the NACC tournament. Ultimately, Rockford was unable to handle Benedictine's hot shooting, falling by the final 106-76.
The Regents and Eagles traded baskets for the first four minutes of the game, as Zach Wallace (Rockford, Ill.) dominated scoring all eight of the team's points. After Benedictine took a five-point lead, 17-12, Rockford added a quick 6-0 scoring run to take an 18-17 lead. Ben Weber (South Beloit, Ill.) scored all six points on two three-point baskets. The Eagles went on a 19-4 scoring run over the next five minutes to take a 36-22 lead. Unfortunately, the Regents were unable to get any closer trailing at the half 59-37. Benedictine shot 66.7% from the field and Rockford shot 34.1% from the field in the first half.
After the Eagles began the second half with a three-point basket, the Regents went on an 11-2 run to narrow the deficit to 64-48 with 16:50 remaining in the game. Tony Diemer (Rockford, Ill.) led the charge with 6 points. Rockford fell behind Benedictine by 28 points with 10 minutes remaining in the game, 83-55. The rest of the half hovered around the same differential as the Regents were unable to get any closer than 23 points down. Rockford fell by the final of 106-76.
Leading the Regents for the game were Zach Wallace scoring 26 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Tony Diemer added 15 points and 4 rebounds. Ben Weber tallied 12 points with 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Arthell Rosquist (Zion, Ill.) posted 12 points with 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
The Rockford University men's basketball team returns to action Saturday, January 28 to take on MSOE in Milwaukee, Wis. with a scheduled start time of 4:15 p.m.
